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The Los Angeles Dodgers could have spent over $1 billion this offseason, however their roster is much from full heading into the 2024 season.
The Dodgers may nonetheless use another starting pitcher, one other right-handed bat and a bit more help in the bullpen.
These are the present “holes.”
A non-hole on the roster is the nearer place, as Evan Phillips manned that place very properly in 2023.
Nevertheless, Phillips was a bit worse in 2023 than he was in 2022, a yr wherein he performed the versatile function because the staff’s “fireman” possibility.
So, the Dodgers may decide so as to add a real nearer this offseason, a transfer that might permit Phillips to return to his utility function. They usually have tons of choices.
The undisputed greatest nearer in the marketplace is Josh Hader, and the Dodgers have been linked with him all offseason.
The Dodgers have additionally been linked to premier closers on the commerce market, together with Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians and old friend Kenley Jansen of the Boston Red Sox.
With all these rumors aplenty, our personal Doug McKain broke down all the very best choices for the Dodgers, and who they need to or shouldn’t goal by way of closers.
You may watch the total breakdown on the Dodgers Nation YouTube Channel by clicking the video on the prime of the article, or by clicking right here.
McKain is agency no-go on Jansen, because the Dodgers don’t have to commerce prospects to carry again the 36-year-old who wouldn’t even be a extra secure possibility than Phillips.
As for Clase, McKain is aware of the value could be large, and it’s powerful to commerce tons of prime prospects for a more in-depth.
By way of Hader, although, McKain is , however solely on the proper value.
He says that the Dodgers ought to completely signal Hader if he “falls into their lap,” that means he doesn’t get the record-breaking contract he’s searching for.
McKain thinks that Hader could be the right possibility for the Dodgers’ pen, and would doubtlessly be extra open to a flexible function.
Whereas Hader was agency on all the time pitching the ninth inning for San Diego final yr, McKain believes that was simply to lift his worth in free company.
Since he’ll have signed his massive deal this offseason, McKain believes Hader could be extra open to enjoying matchups for the Dodgers, doubtlessly pitching some eighth innings if Dave Roberts needed him on the market towards lefties. That might nonetheless depart somebody like Phillips to pitch the ninth.
Hader would undoubtedly be a luxurious greater than a necessity at this level, however the Dodgers are going all-in this offseason. Why not get arguably the very best nearer in baseball to really feel much more assured within the later innings?
Picture Credit score: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports activities
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