Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Says Club Will Look to Add Pitching this Offseason
A week ago, it seemed the Dodgers had a decent shot at signing either Jacob deGrom or Justin Verlander, the two best pitchers on the free-agent market. Instead, deGrom went to Texas and Verlander replaced him with the Mets, leaving Los Angeles still searching for at least one more starting pitcher.
At the Winter Meetings on Monday, L.A. president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman met with the media and confirmed the team is on the hunt for pitching.
#Dodgers Andrew Friedman said they feel "really good" about the pitchers on the roster, but admitted that they still need to add some more. But it won't be Verlander.
"There are still a lot of really good players out there. That’s where we’ve shifted our focus and attention.”
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) December 6, 2022
Tuesday, Friedman joined Alanna Rizzo on MLB Network and reiterated their search, but he also acknowledged the talent that is currently in the organization.
Andrew Friedman said the Dodgers are trying to add another starter, but they may need to dig into their depth and that Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove are going to help them win games in 2023.
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) December 6, 2022
At the moment, L.A.’s rotation consists of Julio Urias, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and probably Ryan Pepiot. Kodai Senga is still on the free-agent market, although it’s unclear what level of mutual interest there is between him and Los Angeles. Corbin Burnes or Pablo Lopez could possibly be available on the trade market, either of whom would really solidify the rotation. Pepiot, Michael Grove, and Andre Jackson are all starters who spent some time in the big leagues in 2022, and Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone are top prospects who are close to ready.
The Dodgers could easily roll into the season with what they have and still be the favorites in the NL West. And one or more of those young pitchers could break out and be a postseason star for them. But they could also face injury, ineffectiveness, and other challenges native to baseball, which is why, even with at least nine internal options for the five-man rotation, the Dodgers continue to look for starting pitching.
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Dodger players want Judge no matter the cost.
Yeah, right. I quote from a great movie, “If they told you wolverines would make good house pets, would you believe them?”
AF must be really patient waiting to see how the pieces falling in place. The Dodgers knowing they need a big RH bat in a SS or CF, a RH SP, a shut-down closer. I feel if they don’t make a splash, they’re gonna be left behind as the Giants offering Judge 9yr @360M, Padres offered Trea 340M, and now talking with the other big three SS. I know the Dodgers aren’t going that high but seems like the NL West teams are all in.
The Giants and Padres are also heavily interested in Kodai Senga, a possible #2 SP. Puzzling the Dodgers not on list.