The Los Angeles Dodgers have been quiet since signing closer Edwin Diaz, though the rumor mill continues to churn and the rising champions have been predicted to make a significant splash in free agency.
The Dodgers’ most significant needs entering the winter were the closer position and the outfield.
The Diaz addition helps in one of those areas. Still, the outfield remains a question mark, leading to rumors connecting the Dodgers to either Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, the two prized outfielders in the market.
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However, Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report has predicted that Los Angeles will make another signing — Blue Jays free agent shortstop Bo Bichette.
“After signing corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year deal, it appears the Blue Jays could pivot—maybe to Tucker—rather than bringing back Bo Bichette,” Kelly wrote.
“Perhaps the left knee sprain that cost Bichette most of September and the entire American League postseason has scared some teams off. But even if teams view him more as a second baseman than a shortstop, this is a 27-year-old who has led the AL in hits twice (2021, 2022) and would have a third time if not for his injury this past year. One would think teams would be lining up to sign Bichette.
“The good thing for Bichette, though, is that, given his youth, he can consider taking a lucrative short-term deal that allows him to return to the market in a year or two without a qualifying offer attached, and perhaps with a cleaner health picture.
“Los Angeles could make out like bandits, giving Bichette the same deal that Alex Bregman signed with the Red Sox last year, and having him be their starting second baseman while knowing he has shortstop in his bag of tools.”
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Bichette would help address another underlying weakness that the Dodgers have — improving the middle of the lineup.
An outfielder would still be needed if Bichette were signed, but he would be a dynamic contact bat that would help the stars at the top tremendously.
Andy Pages was a star in the middle of the lineup most of the season, though he was cold in the postseason — namely, the World Series.
Teoscar Hernandez delivered some timely hits in the postseason, but his numbers were a step down from his usual baseline.
Utilitymen Kike Hernadez, Miguel Rojas, and Tommy Edman were hovering around average for most of the season as well.
Bichette helps to balance out the lineup — easing pressure off Hernandez and Pages, while assisting the threat of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani up top.
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