Cody Snavely
The 2023 MLB season is approaching, with pitchers and catchers reporting Thursday, February 16th, and the first full-squad workout on the following Monday, February 20th. However, unlike seasons in the past, there are a lot of questions and potential position battles for starting roles on the opening day roster. While there are still locks for certain players on the roster, there are three players that I believe we should all keep an eye on this spring.
Jason Heyward
Heading to LA on a MiLB deal, Heyward agreed to a minor-league contract with the Dodgers, including an invitation to major-league spring training. Heyward, now 33 years old, was released by the Cubs in November and is now the latest player to join the Dodgers’ reclamation experiment.
Heyward was once the league’s top prospect with the Atlanta Braves and was one of the best players in baseball when he made his debut in 2010 on a team where he played with now Dodgers first basemen Freddie Freeman. Heyward played with the Braves until the 2014 season when he was traded to the Cardinals and signed with the Cubs a year later. Heyward never lived up to the contract he signed with the Cubs having arguably his best season in the shortened 2020 season, where he batted .265 and had an OPS+ of 129, the highest of his career.
With the Dodgers releasing former MVP Cody Bellinger after multiple horrendous seasons in 2021 and 2022, the team requires a center fielder. While James Outman can take that role, the Dodgers will also take a chance on Heyward in a win/win scenario, as LA only signed him for the league minimum salary. However, do not be surprised if Heyward plays himself to at least a bench bat on the opening-day roster.
Michael Busch
With the departure of Trea Turner, Gavin Lux looks to be the starting shortstop for the 2023 MLB season, which now opens up 2nd base, with Muncy looking like the go-to guy at 3rd. Busch, who was the Dodgers’ first-round selection in the 2019 MLB draft and is heading into his age-25 season, has put up great hitting numbers in the minors. In 2022 alone, Busch hit 32 home runs and had over 100 RBI, although the biggest concern is his defense.
While Busch is not profiled to be as flashy as other defenders throughout the league, the Dodgers still see some athletism for him to play multiple positions around the diamond rather than just 2nd base. Busch, who played first base in college, was moved to second and could end up playing in left field or third base. However, the Dodgers also benefit from the DH, but with J. D. Martinez signing a one-year deal with LA, it is hard to see him leaving that spot.
It is evident that many around baseball, including in the Dodgers organization, believe that Busch is ready to make the majors, but where exactly is the question? Currently, the Dodgers are also working with Miguel Vargas at second base, along with utility infielder Miguel Rojas who the Dodgers traded for last month.
Adam Kolarek
When it comes to bullpen construction, there is no real concrete plan. While you can undoubtedly pencil in guys during the winter, a lot can change once spring comes around, and some guys fly high, and some disappoint. For the Dodgers, who seem to find pitching from thin air by taking chances on guys who were forgotten and left behind by other teams, the same can be expected this year. Kolarek is another non-roster invitee that looks to plead his case to crack the bullpen come opening day.
Kolarek had his best seasons with the Dodgers during his short time on the team and was a vital piece to them during their 2020 postseason run. Kolarek, after being tarded from the Rays to the Dodgers, posted an elite 0.77 ERA in 11.2 innings throughout 26 games. In 2020 he followed that up with a 0.95 ERA in 19 innings.
Throughout the spring, it is always interesting to keep an eye on pitchers that can make the bullpen, and the Dodgers have a few experiments, such as Shelby Miller, who is equally as interesting to watch this spring.
