The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the best teams in all of baseball in each of the last five to seven years. But in 2021, they were shocked by the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS, who then went on to win their first World Series since 1995. The loss certainly left a bad taste in Dodgers' fans mouths, as they were heavy favorites to win that series. It got worse as the MLB lockout took all the headlines, but thankfully, that is all over now.
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That suddenly left Los Angeles looking into the mist. The Dodgers have a massive free agency exodus, leaving holes all over the roster. Thankfully for Dodgers fans, it sounds as though one of the biggest question marks has been answered. There are reports that Los Angeles is bringing Clayton Kershaw back on a one-year deal. But there is still a lot of work to for the brand new general manager Brandon Gomes.
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So, let's take a look at the Dodgers roster and see who they need to go after in free agency.
3 Free Agents the Dodgers Must Sign this Offseason
3. STARTING PITCHER TYLER ANDERSON
It's no secret that the Dodgers need starting pitching. They already lost Max Scherzer to the New York Mets this offseason. Even with the news that they are bringing Kershaw back on a one-year deal, there is still a lack of depth to this rotation.
Walker Buehler, Julio Urias and Tony Gonsolin were the only other starters on the roster when the season ended. The Dodgers picked up Andrew Heaney this offseason. That could be a decent acquisition, as he offers a wide variety of pitches that most of the Dodgers rotation does not possess. That's always helpful in a series. At the same time, he posted an ERA of almost six last season. So, you can't count on him.
Also, it is still completely unknown whether or not Trevor Bauer will be allowed to pitch in 2022. News broke Friday that Major League Baseball and the Player's Union have agreed to extend Bauer's administrative leave. So, this is another question mark for the Dodgers rotation.
Tyler Anderson is one of the few decent names yet to sign this offseason. He spent the majority of his career in Colorado, so his career numbers are therefore skewed dramatically. Even though he posted an ERA of roughly 4.50 last season, he struck out approximately seven per nine, while only walking two per nine. So, his command was solid.
Anderson typically pitches to contact, a formula that usually works well in the pitcher-park of Dodger Stadium. Anderson can slide into the #4 or #5 spot in the rotation, creating good matchups as opposed to being a near top-line starter like earlier in his career.
2. RELIEF PITCHER RYAN TEPERA
With Kenley Jansen still on the free agent market, it would be great I'm sure if the Dodgers can bring back their all-time closer. But knowing the price tag that would entail, that seems unlikely. Therefore, Los Angeles will have to look elsewhere.
Enter Ryan Tepera. He spent last season splitting time between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox and put together the best season of his career. He made 65 appearances out of the pen, posting a 2.79 earned run average across 65 innings pitched. Tepera struck out 74 batters, for a 10/9 K rate, and had a sparkling WHIP of 0.88. Opponents hit a minuscule .164 off him, but he has not struck a deal yet.
He has closer stuff, without being paid like a closer. His fastball tops out at 96 miles per hour, but in combination with his command, is plenty good enough for the ninth inning. Reliable relief help can be hard to find, but the Dodgers should look no further than here.
1. LEFT FIELDER TOMMY PHAM
The Dodgers were excited to see what Gavin Lux was going to do last season. They are not as excited any longer. The hometown product, who can play outfield and second base, did not produce at the level Dodgers fans were expecting. Currently, AJ Pollock is listed on the depth chart as both the left fielder and the DH. That doesn't quite add up.
So, if Los Angeles is in the market for a left fielder, Tommy Pham might be worth a look. The Dodgers can likely get him very cheap, as he has had two consecutive putrid seasons. But remember, the Los Angeles lineup is stacked. They are looking for their eight-hole hitter here.
But also, Pham seemed to fall off the table. From 2017 through 2019, Pham put up almost a .300 average, a .360 OBP and was a plus glove in the outfield. In 2017, Pham finished 11th in the NL MVP race. Then the last two years he barely hit .200. Knowing how cheap the Dodgers might be able to sign him, I think it would be worth you can find the former Pham.
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