Dodgers Rumors: LA Interested In Twins Veteran Outfielder Via Trade This Offseason
The Dodgers entered this offseason with the thought of improving their entire roster across the board after another frustrating playoff exit. Their priority is in their starting rotation, but they also owe it to themselves to look all over.
While the Dodgers are engaged in negotiations with some of the biggest free agents out there, they still have to add around the edges of the roster. According to AM570 LA Sports Radio, LA is looking into bringing in a veteran left-hand hitting outfielder to the team.
“Certainly the Dodgers are looking for another left-handed bat. Max Kepler of the Twins also falls into that category.”
Per AM570 LA Sports Radio
Last season with the Minnesota Twins, Kepler hit .260 with 24 home runs and 66 runs batted in. He had the highest strikeout rate of his career last season but found ways to produce at a high level for the Twins.
Kepler would be an interesting addition to the team, but they do need another outfielder. The team just re-signed Jason Heyward but will need to replace the role of David Peralta for next season, assuming he doesn’t come back. Kepler has mainly played in right field throughout his career, so he could split time with Heyward when star utilityman Mookie Betts heads into the infield.
They may also test him in left field if they were to trade for him, and he may cost less than some other names on the open market. He is scheduled to earn $10 million this coming season after Minnesota picked up his option for 2024, and he will be a free agent after the year ends.
This could be a low-risk, potentially high-reward type of move for the Dodgers on the trade block. They have the resources to make it happen, and he is just one of many options that LA has this winter.
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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Buxton is the only Twins outfielder the Dodgers should pursue. On LAD he wouldn’t need to carry the team although he could. He brings the athleticism and fire the dodgers lack. He’d play left in LA, and with Lux returning he’d be the lefty compliment with Betts at 2nd.
Heads up!!!! Just letting you know, in the ten years with the Twins Buxton usually played about a month of the season and vacationed on the IR the rest of the time. As a Twins fan, I’ll be all to happy to get rid of this lazy bum..
We suffer from a case of veteranitis; recent post season failures I guess. Makes you wonder what they think of Pages and De Luca although they both could use more seasoning in AAA. We seem to block our young players often. Instead we bring in fringe veterans who fail when you need them most.
That is what happens with a win noiw mantra forced on the team by its fanbase… just sayin’.
Kepler had an OPS of .816. He would certainly help upgrade the Dodger outfield.
He’s kind of a quiet, no drama player. This could be interesting.