Where Does the Dodgers’ Active Roster Stand After James Paxton Signing?
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to add this offseason, as they’ve reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with left-handed pitcher James Paxton.
Paxton adds more depth in the starting rotation, and is currently the only left-hander set to start, as Ryan Yarbrough is likely to be used in more long relief roles.
With the Paxton signing set to be official soon, we wanted to take a look at what the Dodgers’ active roster would look like at this point in the offseason, and see if there are any clear holes remaining.
Let’s start with the pitchers:
Dodgers’ Projected Starting Rotation
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Tyler Glasnow
- Walker Buehler
- Bobby Miller
- James Paxton
- Emmet Sheehan
It’s important to note that Buehler may start the year on the injured list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, meaning the Dodgers could deploy a five-man rotation to open the season.
If they wanted to have a six-man rotation and Buehler missed the beginning of the year, Michael Grove or Gavin Stone would likely fill the No. 6 spot on the Opening Day roster.
Dodgers’ Projected Bullpen
Right-Handed Pitchers:
- Brusdar Graterol
- Joe Kelly
- Evan Phillips
- Michael Grove
- J.P. Feyereisen/Blake Treinen/Kyle Hurt
Left-Handed Pitchers:
- Caleb Ferguson
- Alex Vesia
- Ryan Yarbrough
Now onto the offense:
Catchers (2)
- Austin Barnes
- Will Smith
Infielders (5)
- Mookie Betts
- Freddie Freeman
- Gavin Lux
- Max Muncy
- Miguel Rojas
Outfielders (5)
- Teoscar Hernández
- Jason Heyward
- Manuel Margot
- James Outman
- Chris Taylor
Two-Way Players (1)
- Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers Projected Lineup vs. RHP
- Mookie Betts, 2B
- Shohei Ohtani, DH
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Will Smith, C
- Max Muncy, 3B
- Teoscar Hernández, LF
- James Outman, CF
- Jason Heyward, RF
- Gavin Lux, SS
Dodgers Projected Lineup vs. LHP
- Mookie Betts, 2B
- Shohei Ohtani, DH
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Will Smith, C
- Teoscar Hernández, RF
- Max Muncy, 3B
- Chris Taylor, LF
- Manuel Margot, CF
- Gavin Lux, SS
The Dodgers’ position player group seems set, and Miguel Vargas would likely be the first player called up in the event of an injury.
As for the pitching staff, the rotation appears set — although a return of Clayton Kershaw is still possible as he wouldn’t return until after the All-Star break.
As for the bullpen, the Dodgers could still use another reliever, and Ryan Brasier makes a ton of sense.
Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Paxton seems to be a reasonably good addition. Ask Tyler Anderson.
It would be better to have Kike Hernandez than Miguel Rojas. He is a better hitter and he plays more positions. Rojas is signed for $5 million for 2024, Kike will require more to sign, so it is a question of money.
Brasier, yes.
After the ASG hope to get back Kershaw and/or Dustin May.
Some minor leaguers are likely to make some starts.
The pitching staff should give up fewer runs.
The offense should be better. Betts, Freeman, Smith, Muncy, Outman and Heyward should be about as productive. Betts and Freeman had career years, but everyone stands to improve from the better hitters Ohtani over JD Martinez, Lux over Rojas, Hernandez over Peralta. More men on base. More strikes, more reluctance to put men on base.
Yet all still poorly managed by Dave Roberts, the Marty Schottenheimer of MLB… ugh.
kiki is no more. time to move on dude.
I doubt they platoon Outman after his season with Taylor, who serves value in utility, not as a bat per se.
I just don’t understand the Margot thing. Kike Hernandez is a much better option than Margot
Margot was a salary dump by Tampa Bay. If the Dodgers wanted Glasnow they had to take Margot. I think Margo will be trade bait before the season starts or at the deadline. (as part of a pkg for Dylan Cease?)
Margot and Heyward will platoon in right field. Outman will have every chance to improve on last year by being the full time centerfielder with Taylor spelling him as needed as well as Hernandez when needed. Betts will also play the occasional game in Right Field as needed with Taylor or Rojas spelling him at second. Rojas will also spell Lux as required with Taylor backing up all 3 position others than 1B. If Freeman needs a day here or there, Muncy will back him up with Rojas or Taylor playing third.
In the Relief Corps, the Dodgers need to quit screwing around and bring Ryan Brasier back as he is the missing piece in the bullpen, especially with the uncertain status of Treinen and the poor final month by Yarbrough.