Things to do, places to go, people to see, hang the stockings, prepare for family gatherings, so I offer these musings for your consideration this week.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes recently said:
“We’ll continue to try to make moves we feel are needle movers, whether that’s impact moves, or depth moves, all those play into our quest to repeat.”
What “depth moves” might the Dodgers make that would fall into the category of “needle movers?”
Here is one to ponder as you make last minute holiday preparations.
A trade with the Seattle Mariners, who are reportedly searching for left handed hitters and a second baseman.
Dodgers lefty swinging second baseman Gavin Lux and outfielder James Outman head to the Mariners in return for 27-year-old outfielder Victor Robles and second base prospect Ryan Bliss (25 years old).
This trade would be a risk for the Dodgers, as Robles may have had his break through season in 2024 (.307/.381/.433) in 295 plate appearances) or it was a one-off aberration and he returns to being a glove-first center fielder and a well-below-average hitter.
(SportsNet LA)
Whether or not the Dodgers re-sign Teoscar Hernández, Robles in center (even with average offense) puts Tommy Edman at shortstop and Mookie Betts at second base – a Gold Glove-quality middle defense that their pitchers will appreciate.
What about a free agent depth addition that would move the needle in the right direction if Teoscar signs with another team? Lefty-hitting outfielder Jesse Winker, who split time between the Washington Nationals and New York Mets in 2024, has a lifetime 129 wRC+ against right-handed pitching. Pair him with Andy Pages (157 wRC+ against southpaws) and you have more than offset Teoscar’s offensive stats.
Perhaps a couple of depth free agent signings as non-roster Spring Training invitees?
A personal favorite, 27-year-old, right-hand hitter Nick Madrigal, would be a good addition. He has the talent and experience to be a valuable utility infielder.
Similarly, 29-year-old Austin Hays would compete in Spring Training for a spot on the Dodgers Opening Day roster as the fourth outfielder. The right-handed-hitting Hays was an American League All Star in 2023 (136 wRC+ in first half) with the Baltimore Orioles, but injuries wrecked his 2024 season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Dylan Carlson is a 26-year-old switch-hitting outfielder with a ton of talent but struggled to consistently hit with the Cardinals and Rays in 2024. This would be a Minor League signing with a Spring Training invitation, but he would start the season in Triple-A, perhaps becoming a full time right-handed hitter where he has performed much better at the Major League level.
What do you think Dodgers fans? Perhaps you have some suggestions for depth pieces who would move the needle in the right direction for the 2025 season.
Have a wonderful holiday filled with the spirit of Christmas!
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