Could the Los Angeles Dodgers be looking to upgrade their infield this offseason?
Max Muncy has a $10 million club option for next year. Though his value to the team as both a leader and a producer is understandable, he’s had a difficult time staying healthy. At 35 years of age by the start of next season, one has to wonder whether the Dodgers may look to move towards a younger, more durable option in 2026.
Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami is expected to arrive this winter — and he’s expected to generate plenty of interest from around the league as a slugger with power to all parts of the park.
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However, there’s one other player that could fit the Dodgers from a proven productivity standpoint.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic broke down a list of the top 25 impending free agents this upcoming winter. Of course, ranking high up on the list is Boston Red Sox infielder Alex Bregman.
Bregman, 31, will be a hot commodity should he opt out and seek a longer deal than the one he signed with the Red Sox this past offseason. All of the teams mentioned by Bowden unsurprisingly enough are contenders in both leagues.
“Bregman, who is making $40 million this year and signed for two more years at that rate, will likely opt out of his contract and seek a longer-team deal. He missed time this season with a quad injury but has hit .299/.379/.542 in 327 plate appearances. It appears Boston would be his first choice in free agency, but he is an obvious fit with several other contending teams including the Phillies, Yankees, Tigers, Dodgers, Mariners and even the Mets.”
Bregman is hitting .298 this year with 16 homers, 52 runs batted in, and a stellar .917 OPS. He’s easily one of the best corner infielders in the game — and is a player on paper that would seemingly be a great fit with the Dodgers.
Of course, his postseason exploits are well documented (for better or worse) with Dodger fans. Bregman has proven to be a performer when the lights are the brightest. The link to the Houston Astros would have to be something the franchise is okay getting over.
From a pure baseball standpoint, Bregman is a clear upgrade. Will the Dodgers be willing to pony up a ton of cash and a lengthy deal for a guy approaching his 32nd birthday?
That’s a big question that likely can’t be answered at this point in time.
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Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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8 Responses
Nope. Non-starter. End of story. None of those 2017 Astros will be accepted in Dodger blue.
100% agree. Not ever. Not for any reason. Been a Dodger fan since 1962, if they bring in an Astro, done.
Agree. Muncy is getting older but still have that leadership value and big bat. Bergman is trash from the Astros and the Dodgers don’t need his stink around
NO! We have not forgotten the 2017 Houston Cheaters.
It would be disgraceful if a cheater such as him were to wear the Dodger blue.
Hell no!
Hard Pass!
Let’s get Arenado