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Dodgers: Why the Trevor Bauer Signing Has Not Been Announced Yet

The Dodgers signing Trevor Bauer to a massive 3-year deal is easily the headline of the offseason. Adding in the reigning Cy Young Award winner to a pitching staff that is loaded with talent makes Los Angeles the early favorite to repeat the World Series. 

For fans wondering why the signing has not been made official, there is a fairly simple answer. The Dodgers’ current 40-man roster sits at exactly 40 players. in order to make the trade official, they would need to move someone off of the roster. 



One way that they can do that would be to transfer a player to the 60-day Injured List. Players moved to that designation will not be counted as part of the 40-man roster, thus freeing up space. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, that cannot be done until the first day of the season. 

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The Dodgers would instead need to make a move in order to free up a roster spot. They could do this by designating a player for assignment, or by making a trade. If they go the DFA route, they would risk that player not making it through waivers and being claimed by another team.

As of right now, Luke Raley seems like the name most likely to be DFA’d if that is the route they choose. The Dodgers got Raley back in the trade that included Brusdar Graterol, and he has not yet made his debut at age 26. 

The good news for Raley is that it does seem like a trade or another big move is on the horizon. Without Justin Turner signed, the Dodgers still do not have a starting third baseman. They are also well beyond the luxury tax threshold, meaning they could look to offload some of the heavier contracts on the books. 

Whatever the case, a move has to be coming in the next few days. 

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8 Comments

  1. I believe players can be moved to the 60-day IL at the opening of spring training, just 8-days away. Rather than DFA, I expect the Dodgers to make a trade (or more) to open roster spots and reduce payroll.

    1. Yes, I agree. There is an article on this website showing 4 teams that could use Price. I’m sure there are teams that could also use Kelly. I’d like to think that those negotiations are underway right now.
      Lets hope so.

    1. Well if JT is not brought back I would expect a trade or 2 to occur, because as of now it was pointed out that Dodgers don’t have a RHB for middle of lineup and unless Will Smith plays some 3B, he will be sitting whenever Barnes is catching if there’s no DH.

  2. If they lose out on Turner it is either go with Rios or trade for Kris Bryant if he is still available.

  3. The Dodgers do not need to loose out on Turner at all. He seems to be the heart and soul of the clubhouse and he is the go to guy for everyone to talk to. Give him the contract he wants and let him retire with the Dodgers

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