MLB Insider Reveals Dodgers' Plan for Remainder of Offseason
01/07/2025 03:43 PM
In the midst of an offseason full of Cy Young award-winning signings, rumors with international phenoms, and parting ways with longtime infielders, the Los Angeles Dodgers are far from done this offseason.
Despite the busy offseason so far, there are still a few weaknesses present on the defending champions’ roster.
A 2024 campaign without a clear-cut closer saw a few different options step up to assume the role like Daniel Hudson and Evan Phillips with 28 combined saves, so an everyday closer is at the top of their wish list.
MLB insider Jeff Passan details that the Dodgers can “very easily sign a high-leverage reliever” in the current market.
After missing out on acquiring Devin Williams earlier this offseason, L.A. has been linked to closer Tanner Scott who would be a significant upgrade to the bullpen. Scott posted a 1.75 ERA, 22 saves, and 84 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched in the 2024 campaign.
Another priority for Los Angeles is to bring back their longest-tenured player in Clayton Kershaw.
There is mutual interest from both the Dodgers and the three-time Cy Young winner despite him declining his $10 million player option at the beginning of the offseason.
The MVP publicly said he wants to retire with the Dodgers, and has referred to himself as a "Dodger for life".
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes spoke highly of the future Hall of Famer at the Winter Meetings, saying, "He's continuing to heal and build up from the procedures he's had.
"We'll just stay in touch. As I said, I hope and our expectation is that Clayton will be back next year, and whenever he's ready, if we're fortunate enough to bring him back, we'll plug him in."
Kershaw will hopefully come back to a stacked rotation with Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow — who is on pace to return from injury by spring training — and Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May.
The best days from the ace may be behind him, but that is not what the real value in bringing him back would be.
His relationship with the fans, a pair of World Series rings, and veteran leadership around the clubhouse should be more than enough of a reason for the future Hall of Famer to return to Los Angeles for an 18th season.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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