Seems strange to characterize the Dodgers 2021 season as disappointing, considering they won 106 regular-season games and advanced to the National League Championship Series. But “Good is not good when better is expected,” as Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully so eloquently said.
The Dodgers were the overwhelming favorites to repeat as World Champions in 2021, but an improbable series of injuries to key players and the loss of starting pitcher Trevor Bauer to allegations of sexual assault proved too much for the team to overcome.
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman is now challenged to overhaul the team’s roster in pursuit of the 2022 World Championship. The Dodgers have a staggering twelve players from their 40-man roster (30%) who are now MLB free agents: starting pitcher Danny Duffy, closer Kenley Jansen, starting pitcher Cole Hamels, reliever Joe Kelly, starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, reliever Corey Knebel, reliever Jimmy Nelson, first baseman Albert Pujols, starting pitcher Max Scherzer, shortstop Corey Seager, outfielder Steven Souza Jr., and utility player Chris Taylor. In addition, there are several rostered players without minor league options who may be on the cusp of being non-tendered contracts for the 2022 season: relievers Scott Alexander, James Sherfy, Andrew Vazquez, infielder Andy Burns, and outfielder Billy McKinney.
But Friedman’s roster makeover must also include the long term. After the 2022 season, catcher Austin Barnes, reliever Tommy Kahnle, pitcher David Price, and middle infielder Trea Turner will be eligible for free agency, and 2023 player/team options could also result in free agency for reliever Blake Treinen, infielder Max Muncy, outfielder AJ Pollock, and third baseman Justin Turner.
Further complicating Friedman’s roster construction, several of the team’s Top-30 prospects must be added to the 40-man roster in order to protect them from being exposed to the December 2021 Rule-5 draft: catchers Diego Cartaya, pitcher Ryan Pepiot, infielders Jacob Amaya, Miguel Vargas, and outfielder James Outman.
Who will be on the Dodgers roster when the team reports for Spring Training 2022 at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona?
What do you think, Dodgers fans? The Hot Stove season is open for business. Which of its free agents will the team retain? Which free agents will they pursue? What trades do you think the team should make? Join the conversation and stoke the Hot Stove fires of supposition and rumor.
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