The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made one big swing in free agency this offseason, signing top available closer Edwin Diaz to a record-setting three-year, $69 million deal signifying that the Dodgers are more than willing to continue spending at an unprecedented rate.
Diaz fills a major team need, as the Dodger bullpen struggled throughout the season last year. Now with one of the league’s top closers, the team has time to sort out the rest of the bullpen.
More news: What Does Dodgers Bullpen Look Like With Edwin Diaz Addition
Beyond the bullpen, the Dodgers’ other main area of improvement is the outfield, as the team is looking to improve defensively without sacrificing too much offensive production.
Rumors surfaced during the MLB Winter Meetings that the team was shopping right fielder Teoscar Hernandez, who is a below-average to average defender, potentially opening up space in the outfield for the Dodgers to make a major addition.
More news: Royals Have Interest in Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez: Report
Even without trading Hernandez, which Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said “doesn’t feel likely,” the Dodgers still need to upgrade their outfield. According a source, The Athletic’s Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya reported Wednesday that the Dodgers are unlikely to offer top available outfielder Kyle Tucker a contract beyond five years, likely removing themselves from the long list of suitors.
There is a reality in which the Dodgers answer their problems in the outfield through trade. According to The Athletic, the Dodgers are interested in exploring trades for St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan and Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan.
Donovan is part of a Cardinals team that is looking to rebuild. He hit .287 last season with 10 home runs in 118 last season and would bring Gold Glove defense to the Dodgers outfield. He played primarily second base last season has experience in both left and right field.
Kwan is one of the best defensive players in baseball, having won a Gold Glove in each of his four seasons as a pro. Kwan hit .272 last season with 11 home runs and has shown an ability to play center field.
The Dodgers have proven they’re willing to spend big in free agency this offseason, and their all-in attitude this offseason could be further cemented with a big trade for a dominant outfielder.
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