Dodgers: ESPN Predicts LA Re-Signs Two Key Free Agents this Offseason
Seven Dodgers became free agents after the season, including a few long-time contributors. As a parting gift, they all at least get to call themselves World Series Champions, but according to experts, some key contributors could be returning to LA for 2021.
On Friday, ESPN senior writer David Schoenfield made his offseason predictions for all 30 MLB teams. For the Dodgers, the first name he lists feels almost like a given, but the second name might come as somewhat of a surprise.
The experts say that LA will re-sign free agents Justin Turner and Joc Pederson.
Here’s what ESPN had to say.
The Dodgers have several worthy free agents to consider bringing back, and while I think they’ll ultimately let Blake Treinen and Kiké Hernandez walk, the depressed free-agent market should allow them to re-sign Turner and Pederson. In Hernandez’s case, the Dodgers have to open second base for Gavin Lux, and Chris Taylor can fill the utility role. Pederson is one season removed from hitting 36 home runs, and his big postseason is a reminder that having a power left-handed platoon bat around is valuable for depth and in-game maneuvering.
With no obvious choice to take over full time at third base, JT returning makes sense. But for Pederson, the path to playing time seems less obvious. While the platoon in left field has worked well in the past, AJ Pollock’s solid rebound in 2020 seems to be enough to hand him the keys to the everyday role in 2021. Plus, with the Dodger payroll looking like a question mark coming up, adding the type of money that Joc might be commanding could price him out of Los Angeles for good.
Surely the fans would welcome Joctober back with open arms, but chances are that he’ll be looking to prove himself as a full-time slugger elsewhere in 2021.
NEXT: MLB Will Not Punish Justin Turner for Events Following World Series
Nah. I think a Treinen signing is more likely than Joc.
Agree with resigning Treinen 100 % 1 year or 2 years with an option for second and maybe a third-year option, at less than 10,000,000 he got in 2020.
I think that both Kike and Joc go somewhere they will get more regular playing time. They have no reason to stay with the Dodgers in part-time roles.
Agree with that 100%
ESPN analysts don’t seem to know the Dodgers good enough to make predictions. The orgsnjzatikn has plenty of left handed power bats so no, resigning Joc isn’t a slam dunk. Signing JT is ,and keeping Trienen seems like a good move. Beyond that it seems like a good yr to add another quality back end bullpen piece for good value.
I concur 100%
The Pandemic and the loss of revenue this year and anxiety on when there will be a return to normal will be what controls Free Agency and trades.
I think Turner and Joc will have offers less than in a normal year. If I were the Dodgers I would wait to see which Free Agents are left with lower offers. There could be some short term bargains out there. We all thank our free agents for getting the team a Championship. I am hoping the Dodgers sign Turner & Treinen as I have no confidence in Jansen!
How long of a rope are the Dodgers going to give to Lux. He’s supposed to be a star, but has come nowhere close to even earning a spot on the 25 man roster (assuming MLB goes back to the 25). Also, if a decision is made to keep the DH in the NL, this could play into FA signings.
If there’s a DH and we resign J.T., I’m guessing he would DH 50 to 60 games.
i can see mets making a play for hernandez and peterson,,hernandez at 2nd base and pederson in center where the mets have a problem,,another hitter to go along with alonso..
Supposedly Detroit is keen on Kike, especially with George Lombard as the new bench coach for A J Hinch. There is always a place for a utility player who has some pop, can play anywhere and is someone you have experience with. And being in the American League means he can also DH on occasion. He would definitely make more in Detroit than staying with the Dodgers who can not offer him anything close to what he might make on the market.
I’m not a fan of Lux. We can do better than that.
I want JT back in the worst way. I love that guy. I hope no other team offers him stupid money.
No doubt it will happen, but Hernandez has been the unofficial MVP since he joined the Dodgers.He plays virtually every position well and is such a positive guy. He doesn’t hit for average but has about as many big hits as anyone on the team.
I’m not sold on Lux just yet and with the need for a RH bat in the lineup, I’m signing Hernandez for that reason along with his defensive play. If someone is willing to overpay for him, I’m okay letting him walk.
If I’m the Dodgers let Turner walk as well as Peterson and Hernandez and Lux and throw all the marbles in for Nolan Aranado. That makes an infield of him Seager Muncy at 2nd and Bellinger back at first. An outfield of Pollock Betts and sign a good free agent outfielder maybe Ozuna. Then you just need a new closer. And some utility changes.
I am signing Steve Garvey Jr out of the University of San Diego
The Dodgers will become better and stronger in 2021 . Look for the following deals to occur this off season . Trevor Bauer huge Dodgers fan growing up in Santa Clarita will sign a 1 Year deal to the rotation moving Gonsolin or Bullpen to replace Pedro Baez , they will sign JT to 2 year deal to allow him to finish his career in LA . Joc signs with White Sox or Braves as they will over pay for him and look for Kike’ to go to the SF Giants . Guys like Edwin Rios and Gavin Lux and Matt Beaty will get their time to shine . Dodgers Pitching with healthy David Price and rest of the starter should win the division for the 9th Year in a row and World Series 4 of the past 5 years against the Yankees with the Dodgers repeating a WS Champs Back to Back
ESPN you are dead to me. No. Really.