Dodgers: Prioritizing LA’s Key Free Agents, Turner, Treinen, Hernandez, and More
Coming off their first World Series championship in over 30 years, the Dodgers enter this offseason with the hopes of improving upon their team and making another title run in 2021. While the front office will undoubtedly be looking at all trade possibilities and other free agents available, they will likely focus on their own free agents first.
LA has eight players who were on their roster at some point this season that have entered free agency. It’s safe to assume that not every one of those players will return. Trying to determine which players to bring back won’t be easy, but that’s the task facing Andrew Freidman.
Below, we prioritize the top five players the Dodgers should focus on re-signing, considering all the factors (expected salary, team need, etc.)
#5. Kiké Hernandez
For the last six years, Hernandez has been a staple on the Dodgers roster. His defensive versatility has been invaluable and made him a key role player for the team. Although his offensive production has been somewhat inconsistent, he has hit lefties fairly well throughout the years (career .820 OPS.) There’s also no denying that Hernandez plays with high energy and seems to be a great clubhouse personality.
The Dodgers would surely like Hernandez back at the right price, but you could argue that the need is not necessarily there. With Gavin Lux figuring to take over second base duties in the near future, the team could employ Chris Taylor as their “super-utility” guy. Taylor plays practically every position Hernandez does, and he hits better. The Dodgers also have players like Zach McKinstry, who’s ready for an opportunity.
There’s no question that Hernandez could be an everyday starter on many other Major League clubs. In turn, he’ll likely see some good offers this offseason, and it may be unrealistic to expect the Dodgers to match those.
#4. Joc Pederson
Like Hernandez, Pederson has been a key player for the Dodgers over the last six years. Joc has played his entire career with Los Angeles, posting a .230/.336/.470 slash line and clubbing 130 home runs. Also, like Hernandez, Pederson’s return could be determined by team needs, or lack thereof.
A.J. Pollock had a nice bounce-back year during the abbreviated 2020 season, and he could easily take over the everyday left field duties. The Dodgers also have guys like Edwin Rios and Matt Beaty for a left-handed bat off the bench.
Perhaps the biggest factor to determine if there’s a good fit for Pederson back with LA is whether or not MLB decides to keep the DH in the National League. If they do, that could mean more opportunities to utilize Joc. If not, those opportunities are limited.
There’s no doubt that Pederson is a platoon player at this point in his career. His inability to hit lefties has cemented that. However, that doesn’t mean he’s not valuable. His lifetime .849 OPS against RHP is nothing to scoff at, and plenty of teams would love to have that kind of production.
Joc’s services could be highly sought-after this offseason, especially by some American League teams. While he could certainly still have a role for the Dodgers, Pederson could be a luxury that they can’t (or at least shouldn’t) pay for.
#3. Alex Wood
Over the last two years, Wood has started only nine games and pitched a total of 48 innings. During that time, he’s posted an ERA over 6 and a WHIP of 1.521. Not exactly good numbers. So why is he third on this list? Well, again, we’re considering everything here, including team need and cost.
Wood doesn’t figure to command a huge contract this offseason, especially given his recent injury history. That means the Dodgers could retain him for fairly cheap. Also, the team need is there. If there’s one thing these Dodgers desire in their starting rotation, it’s depth. Wood could provide that. Although the rotation seems to be full at the moment, there will certainly be some spot starts needed considering young arms like Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin may not be ready for a complete 162-game season.
There were also some signs of improvement this year with Wood once he got healthy. He had the highest K/9 of his career in 2020 (10.7), albeit in a very short sample size. Wood also had a good postseason, and his fastball velocity increased. If the Dodgers can get Wood back on a cheap deal, he could be a nice long relief option out of the bullpen.
#2. Blake Treinen
The Dodgers signed Treinen to a 1-year, $10 million deal last offseason after a very poor 2019 campaign where he posted a 4.91 ERA, 1.619 WHIP, 5.14 FIP, and 5.7 BB/9. The year before, Treinen was excellent, putting up a 0.78 ERA, 0.834 WHIP, 1.82 FIP, and 11.2 K/9.
Treinen was not as good as his 2018 self this year, but he did improve a lot from his numbers last season. In 2020, he had a 3.86 ERA in 25.2 innings and had a 1.208 WHIP. He got his command somewhat under control (2.8 BB/9) and he induced a lot of ground ball (64% GB.)
Perhaps the weakest area on the Dodgers team is the bullpen. Their relief core is not bad by any means, but there’s certainly room for improvement. They won the World Series despite Kenley Jansen’s role as closer being in a state of flux, and it remains to be seen how much faith Dave Roberts will have with Jansen going forward. If he struggles early on next year, how long will his leash be? And who would be the guy to replace Jansen if needed?
Treinen has experience being a closer and could be one of the first options for that role, should the Dodgers re-sign him. The need for a late inning reliever is certainly there, and Treinen is probably one of the better free agent relief options available.
#1. Justin Turner
Since coming over to the Dodgers in 2014, Turner has reinvented himself. He went from a serviceable bench player to an All-Star caliber third baseman. He also developed into one of the veteran leaders on the club. The Dodgers would gladly welcome back Turner, and he’ll probably be the priority among their own free agents.
Turner will be 36 entering next season, and he’s battled some injuries over the last few years. Still, when healthy, he has continued to produce at a high level. Turner slashed .307/.400/.460 last year and improved his defense after a decline in 2019.
The Dodgers also have a current need at third base. If Turner were to leave, they wouldn’t have anyone that could step in right away and play at the same level (Nolan Arenado rumors aside). It would be asking a lot of Edwin Rios to play every day at third, a position where he’s still suspect defensively. Corey Seager might eventually take over at third someday, but currently, that doesn’t appear to be an option, as it would create a hole at shortstop.
Top prospect Kody Hoese is still at least a couple of years away from being Major League ready.
Turner grew up in Southern California and loves playing for the Dodgers. The Dodgers love having him, and his teammates love playing with him. All things considered, a return for “Redturn” seems like a good fit for both sides. A one or two-year deal with incentives sounds like a realistic scenario.
Which free agents do you think the Dodgers should prioritize? Let us know in the comments below!
NEXT: Five Non-Tender Candidates That Could Be Interesting
Kike, Joc and Wood are gone because other teams will offer then more playing time and more money. The Dodgers have never prioritized relievers except when they gave Jansen the big money last time. Their offer to Treinen won’t be competitive unless they see him as Jansen’s replacement and it’s not clear they do. That leaves Turner who they – at this moment – need but probably not for three years unless he gives them some sort of hometown discount. He probably comes back significant incentives for the third year, but the others do not.
Must keep #RedTurn10 and Treinen. I would like Kike to stay but he’s worth a lot more than what the Dodgers will offer. Imagine a 1-2-3 punch of Graterol-Jansen-Treinen and not always in this order. I’m not sure what Urias wants or how the Dodgers want to use him. He’s a brilliant starter, reliever and closer. Going to be a very interesting Winter in the Dodgers Front Office.
Re-sign JT to a 2-3 year deal. Pursue Treinen. We are vulnerable at the backend of the bullpen. Jansen is toast. Graterol is the future, but will need some help in the present. If you can’t resign Treinen you have pick up a free agent closer. Let Wood go. I don’t care how cheap he is. I’d like to keep Pederson and Hernandez. But when I hear Friedman talking about free agents doing what is best for themselves, he may be talking mostly about them. Hernandez could play everyday for another team..Pederson would still be a platoon player on another team. But would fit in better on a team looking for left handed power. Pollack’s durability is still questionable, but he had a great comeback year. Barring injury, he could take on more than the platoon right handed bat role. But Pederson does better in the postseason.
Obviously JT 2 year incentive contract! I agree to a deal for Wood, he’s look great in the WS and is going back strong from injuries, I think it would be a mistake not to sign him! I really like Trienen and hoping they can resign him! Also we should make ever effort to sign Brad Hand and Snell, after JT these are the number one priorities! Go Blue, GO 2020 WS CHAMPS!
I agree with the majority re-sign Turner as Hoese, Vargas, Mann, etc are all 1-3 years away. Another option is to platoon Will Smith at 3rd with Rios so they can bring up Ruiz.
I like Treinen and he definitely helped the bullpen. Sign Treinen or sign Hand and if there is money sign both. Jansen is done for as a closer and even Roberts has figured that out.
Kike will be missed and we wish him well and the same for Joc. McKinstry can help fill the spot in the infield and hopefully, Lux will figure it out. Lux is still very young only 22. Several young guys Reks, Raley, Peters, etc can compete for an OF position.
I am not an Alex Wood fan if there is an open pitching roster spot I would bring up Gray, White, or another young arm to get experience and see how they perform at the MLB level. Do they bring up Ruiz? Or do they trade him for an upgrade at another position?
Hmm, playing time vs rings…
I agree with all the posts so far…Charly’s Playing time vs Ring…made me chuckle….and is a big question…..if I am Joc, hey you traded me…so now what is best for me? Dodgers won’t offer what Angles will, plus DH for sure….Kike I expect to see back with the Marlins….Will miss them both
Ha, if you go to the DJ Peters story on his hitting lessons…after the words are a group of
Pictures, down at the bottom is one of DJ on his knee proposing….the next shows him in uniform at the end of the swing….his legs looks almost identical in both pictures….Seems DJ Swings for the fences in Baseball and Romance
The team that won the WS in 2020 are the best.
Don’t change what ain’t broke as the saying goes.
PS. JT is a Dodger must. ????
Keep JT if you can’t get lemehieu
From a nearly ninety old lady who has been a Dodger fan from the day they played their fist game in Los Angeles, please keep Justin Turner for another couple of years.
Must make room for youth. Joc and Kiki need to go a very over rated duo. Wood is a tough lefty reliever if cheap. Trienien is a must sign.
I think you start by signing the best player, and that is Justin Turner. Don’t waste money on players who have marginal value or use for you, or get expensive because of other offers. You have a WS winning team. You can afford to be a little picky. By the way, I am from Massachusetts, but i have always liked the Dodgers, especially since you signed Mookie. He is a human highlight film. You deserved the championship in 2020 and it was fun to watch.
JT and Treinen first for re-signing for sure, then go from there. But again, MLB needs to decide on the DH remaining in NL. Honestly, as in prior years before 2020, it was down right WRONG for the leagues to have a different set of playing rules.
Keep Turner and Joc and let the other ones go. Turner and Joc are good players and Turner will probably retire in a year or to and when he is at bat he hits good. Joc has done good and LA should keep him and Turner too