CJ Garcia
Now that Teoscar Hernandez has re-signed, the dominoes will start to fall in terms of offseason moves. Bringing back Teoscar was something that both sides had a strong desire to get done, and though it took longer than we thought, the negotiations came to a head on a 3-year, $66 million contract with an option for a fourth year.
Plugging Teoscar back into the lineup gives the team a better understanding of what the 2025 lineup looks like and what else needs to be done.
The Dodgers could go in many different directions for the rest of the season.
We have heard from multiple insiders and analysts that the Dodgers are trying to acquire another back-end reliever. They were already close to acquiring Devin Williams with a package of Gavin Lux and Hunter Feduccia before the Yankees swept in, so the willingness and determination are there to make a move.
The Dodgers have been said to be in on All-Star closer Tanner Scott, which would be the first time Andrew Friedman has paid a lot for a reliever since dishing out a multi-year deal to Kenley Jansen in 2016.
The Dodgers could also take advantage of a team like the Twins, who are in a semi-rebuild, and pony up a few prospects for Jhoan Duran. If that trade ever happens, they could try to acquire Ryan Helsley along with Nolan Arenado.
As reported by most of the industry last week, the Dodgers were looking at backup options should Teoscar leave. Those names being Luis Robert Jr., Seiya Suzuki, and Ha-Seong Kim.
I believe the team will still acquire one of those three names in the search for another right-handed bat, but given positional fits, Seiya Suzuki is the least likely candidate. Now, whatever moves happen have a lot of moving parts.
If the Dodgers sign Ha-Seong Kim, it almost certainly means Gavin Lux will be gone, as Kim will be at Second base. If the Dodgers acquire Centerfielder Luis Robert Jr., this will move Tommy Edman to Second base, also leaving Gavin Lux without a position or a role on the team. Acquiring another outfielder also brings into question Andy Pages‘ future. Will he platoon with Michael Conforto, or will Conforto command the everyday role?
I personally believe the rest of the offseason will be as follows:
- Acquire another right-handed bat
- Acquire a back-end reliever
- Re-sign Kiké Hernandez
- Sign Roki Sasaki
Whatever it may be, the team has already improved since adding Blake Snell, Michael Conforto, and Teoscar Hernandez. However, as recent history shows, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Andrew Freidman are always lurking in the shadows, willing to add to better their roster.
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