Cody Snavely
The Dodgers have had quite the eventful offseason, spending over one billion dollars collectively between three players. However, multiple reports say the Dodgers’ big offseason won’t end with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. So what is next?
Is Andrew Friedman watching Josh Hader‘s market?
Shortly after the Dodgers signed star two-way player Shohei Ohtani to a massive 10-year $700 million contract, Tom Verducci from Sports Illustrated alluded that the Dodgers were the only serious team eyeing Padres all-star closer Josh Hader.
Going into the offseason, Josh Hader and his camp aimed to beat or equal that of Mets closer Edwin Diaz, who signed a 5-year $102 million deal last offseason. Hader asking for such a contract is not a shocker as there is an argument that between Diaz and Hader, they have been the best closers in baseball.
In 2023, Hader had one of the best seasons of his career, posting a 1.28 ERA, 85 SO, 13.5 K/9, and 32 saves. What makes Hader more enticing is that he is a flame-throwing left-handed pitcher who has dominated both righties and lefties. The Padres, who are looking to cut payroll, likely cannot afford the contract that Hader desires. Although it also seems like around the league, no one is dying for a closer. While the MLB free agent market has always been notorious for being slow, Hader’s market may not be as competitive as he and his camp thought it would be.
Why do the Dodgers have interest?
Enter Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers, who keep tabs on all potential free agents like most smart front offices. The Dodgers’ glaring need was the starting rotation. With the trade/extension to Glasnow and the record 12-year $325 million deal for Yamamoto, the Dodgers seem to be turning their attention to the backend of the bullpen. While the team’s bullpen was not a major issue last year or why the team lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks, it is always an area that changes year after year.
The Dodgers’ 2023 bullpen can be a tale of two halves, with the first half being a historic train wreck that thankfully corrected itself. For those who forgot, the Dodgers bullpen to begin the year had the worst ERA since the team relocated to Los Angeles, posting a combined 4.76 ERA. Perhaps it is part of the plan next season to ensure the bullpen is more steady for an entire 162-game season. However, if Hader does ink a deal with the Dodgers, I imagine the deal would be under $100 million due to his cold market.
Is a trade for Emmanuel Clase in the works?
While Tom Verducci linked the Dodgers to Hader, Jim Bowden of the Athletic linked the Dodgers to another all-star closer in Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase.
Throughout his career, Clase showcased that he is one of the league’s best closers, posting a 2.00 ERA, 236 SO, and 111 saves. While 2023 was not his best year statistically, he still recorded 44 saves for a Guardians club that struggled most of the year. However, what is most intriguing about Clase is the years of control and the potential trade package the Dodgers could put together.
Emmanuel Clase signed an extension with the Guardians, keeping him under cheap team control through the 2028 season with a base $10 million salary in the final two years. However, the Guardians also have another arm the Dodgers could try to pry away from Cleveland in Shane Beiber, who is entering the final year of his contract. While the Dodgers’ current rotation on paper looks like “enough,” you have to take the risk of health. Walker Buehler will be making his first appearance since 2022, and Tyler Glasnow reached his career high in innings last year at 120.
While Shane Bieber is not a necessity, he will cost significantly less than Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes, and even Lucas Giolito in terms of dollars. Bieber is potentially due $12 million in arbitration. While Bieber has had his own issues with health recently, a package centered around Clase and himself could allow Cleveland to get a much-needed controllable offense with Michael Musch or Miguel Vargas heading a deal.
Conclusion
The Dodgers’ offseason is far from over. With the whole month of January left, The team will make more improvements as they look to get the monkey off their bank and get past the first round and the World Series. While a closer is not the top of the team’s need, they make sense for how the team sets up their rotation for the year and for October, where it matters.
