The Dodgers Hot Stove Notes are a snooze fest. Here’s the biggest news from the Winter Meetings.
Mookie Betts Will Be the Dodgers Everyday 2nd baseman
James Outman finished the 2023 season in third place of the National League Rookie of the Year race. Center field is his to lose. The Dodgers round off its outfield bench with adding Jason Heyward to join Chris Taylor.
Roberts and the Dodgers organization believes keeping Betts in the infield will keep him healthier and allow him to play more games. The outfielder’s market is more robust. Randy Arozarena is an intrigung option in the outfield. The Tampa Bay Rays are listing to trade offers for him. The Cuban-born is a Mexican citizen and represented them at the World Baseball Classic.
His offensive numbers at the 2020 World Series but him on the map after hitting a batting average of .364 and hitting 10 home runs throughout the 2020 playoffs. Arozarena lit the stage on fire with his spectacle catches out in the outfield during the World Baseball Classic and his offensive speed.
The Dodgers should always have a Mexican player in the team. It’s a good way to market the team. I hope the Dodgers try to lure him to the West coast.
Dodgers sign Joe Kelly to a one-year deal
The Dodgers use Kelly during high-leverage situation where he excels using his flame throwing fastball. His 2020 season was in a rut until he threw a pouting-smile at Correa. Bringing him back will round out a bullpen that includes Even Phillips, Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia. Before adding him to the roster, the Dodgers will need to free some space as it is full.
Everything points to a trade happening before he is added to the roster.
Gavin Lux still the short stop plan
During a conversation with Dodgers Insider, General Manager Brandon Gomes said about Gavin Lux, “Our thought is that he’s going to be our shortstop,” Gomes said. “Ad the benefit is that you have somebody like [Miguel Rojas] behind him who will be an incredibly high bar.”
Lux tore his ACL during spring training and missed the entire season. He was prognosticated to be the starting shortstop and the plan remains the same. During his last season with the Dodgers, Lux batted .276, stole seven bases and hit six home runs. He was touted as a top prospect before playing for the Dodgers and it seems like the organization still holds him at a high standard.
The infield will be made up of Freddie Freeman, Betts, Lux, and Muncy to close it off.
In conclusion
No news about Shohei Ohtani, yet.
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