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The Dodgers have the highest payroll in baseball and some big holes to fill on their roster. They also have the necessary financial resources to retain their own free agents and bid competitively for the top players on the free agent market. And, if they choose to explore the trade market, they have the elite young talent necessary to acquire an impact player or two. At the very least, the Hot Stove talk surrounding this team will be very interesting this offseason.
Guaranteed Contracts
- Clayton Kershaw, SP: $139.3MM through 2020. Kershaw can opt out after the 2018 World Series.
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B: $44.7MM through 2018.
- Scott Kazmir, SP: $35.3MM through 2018.
- Brandon McCarthy, SP: $23MM through 2018.
- Kenta Maeda, SP: $21MM through 2023.
- Andre Ethier, OF: $20MM through 2017. Contract includes a $17.5MM club option in 2018 with a $2.5MM buyout.
- Yasiel Puig, OF: $17.4MM through 2018. Puig can opt in to arbitration during the 2016 offseason. He is on pace to become a free agent after the 2019 season.
- Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP: $15.6MM through 2018.
Arbitration Eligible Players (service time in parentheses; projections via MLB Trade Rumors)
- Yasmani Grandal, C (4.115): $5.3MM
- Louis Coleman, RP (4.018): $1.5MM
- Scott Van Slyke, 1B/OF (3.151) : $1.3MM
- Luis Avilan, RP (3.146): $1.5MM
- Chris Hatcher, RP (3.146): $1.4MM
- Alex Wood, SP/RP (3.123): $2MM
- Josh Fields, RP (3.092) – $1.2MM
- Non-tender candidates: Coleman, Hatcher
Other Financial Commitments
- Yaisel Sierra, SP: Owed $28MM through 2021 (removed from 40-man roster in 2016)
- Carl Crawford, OF: Owed $21.8MM through 2017 (released in 2016)
- Hector Olivera, OF: Owed $18.7MM through 2020 (traded in 2015)
- Erisbel Arruebarrena, SS: Owed $12MM through 2018 (removed from 40-man roster during 2015-16 offseason)
- Matt Kemp, OF: Owed $10.5MM through 2019 (traded during 2014-15 offseason)
- Alex Guerrero, IF/OF: Owed $7.5MM through 2017 (released in 2016)
- Dian Toscano, OF: Owed $3.6MM through 2018 (removed from 40-man roster during 2015-16 offseason)
Free Agents
- Brett Anderson, Joe Blanton, Jesse Chavez, Rich Hill, J.P. Howell, Kenley Jansen, Josh Reddick, Justin Turner, Chase Utley
Los Angeles Dodgers Depth Chart; Los Angeles Dodgers Payroll Information
Andrew Friedman (President of Baseball Operations) and Farhan Zaidi (general manager) have maintained a conservative approach in free agency since taking over prior to the 2014-15 offseason, focusing on building a team that can compete year in and year out as opposed to a high risk “win-now” approach. Four consecutive division titles says that they’re on the right track. But they’ve also been knocked out of the playoffs in each of those seasons and haven’t been to the World Series since 1988 while the division-rival Giants have won three World Series championships since 2010. The Dodgers are also in danger of losing two players who have been integral to the team’s recent success.
Third baseman Justin Turner and closer Kenley Jansen, who rank No. 4 and 5, respectively, in our Free Agent Power Rankings, would not be easy to replace if they were to sign elsewhere. There are no internal options ready to step in. Luis Valbuena is the only other free agent who can be viewed as a starting third base option. There are two other elite closers—Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon—but as many as four other teams (Cubs, Giants, Nationals, Yankees) are expected to pursue them.
If Turner does not re-sign, the Dodgers could be scrambling to find his replacement. Despite entering his age-32 season, he’s in line for a huge payday after slashing .296/.364/.492 while playing terrific defense at the hot corner in his three seasons with the Dodgers. While he’d certainly be an upgrade for many teams around the league, there doesn’t appear to be a team that comes remotely close to the Dodgers in terms of need and payroll flexibility. MLBTR has predicted that he’ll return on a five-year, $85MM deal.
Even if they can hang on to Turner, who struggled badly against lefties in 2016, adding another right-handed hitter to balance out a left-handed heavy lineup would seem to be a priority. The heart of the order includes lefties Corey Seager, Adrian Gonzalez and Joc Pederson. Switch-hitter Yasmani Grandal is a better hitter with much more power from the left-hand side. Darin Ruf, acquired from the Phillies in the Howie Kendrick trade, has a .921 OPS in 321 career plate appearances against left-handed pitchers, although he’ll likely be relegated mostly to pinch-hitting duty.
In addition to third base, the Dodgers could possibly be searching for a new second baseman. Enrique Hernandez, Micah Johnson and Chris Taylor represent internal options, but the team could pursue a reunion with Chase Utley or explore the trade market. Los Angeles may also look at adding a corner outfielder if they’re still ready to move on from Yasiel Puig and/or are not comfortable going with some combination of Andre Ethier, Trayce Thompson, Scott Van Slyke and Andrew Toles at the other corner.
Brian Dozier and Ian Kinsler, both under team control through 2018, are logical trade targets. By acquiring a leadoff hitter who plays second base and crushes left-handed pitching, the Dodgers would be able to check off three boxes on their offseason shopping list. Yoenis Cespedes, as MLBTR has predicted, would be the biggest splash possible in free agency, while Ian Desmond and Dexter Fowler are others who are capable of making a big impact while filling multiple needs.
Puig will once again be one of the more interesting names being thrown around in trade rumors, although it wouldn’t be a big surprise if he stayed put. After being sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the entire month of August, the 25-year-old returned to post a .900 OPS over his final 65 plate appearances. Zaidi recently expressed that Puig did everything asked of him after the demotion and that the organization felt “really good about where he is”.
While his comments could be posturing in an attempt to boost Puig’s trade value, Zaidi might not want to trade the team’s most productive hitter against left-handed pitching. Puig’s .784 OPS versus lefties was best on a team that was, by far, the worst in baseball against them (.622 OPS).
Starting pitching depth does not appear to be a problem, but adding a legitimate frontline starter to pair with Clayton Kershaw could conceivably be in the Dodgers’ plans. Re-signing Rich Hill, who has pitched like an ace in 24 starts since September 2015, would likely suffice, but the expected bidding war could push his asking price well above what any team should feel comfortable giving a soon-to-be 37-year-old with a checkered injury history. They could also swing a trade to bolster their rotation. Chris Sale, Justin Verlander, Jose Quintana and Chris Archer are amongs the most notable starting pitchers who might be available this offseason.
There is no shortage of candidates to compete for a rotation spot after Kershaw, Kenta Maeda, Scott Kazmir and, potentially, Hill or another acquisition. Julio Urias will have the edge after posting a 1.99 ERA in the 2nd half while Brandon McCarthy, Alex Wood, Jose De Leon, Ross Stripling and Brock Stewart could also be in the mix, as might Hyun-jin Ryu if he can ever get healthy.
Whether or not Los Angeles will beat the market for a top relief arm remains to be seen. The current front office has not invested big dollars in the pen as yet, but it could be that Jansen will represent a special case. And the organization is said to have interest in Chapman, who was nearly acquired last winter before news emerged of a domestic violence incident. There are a variety of trade possibilities, too, but the Dodgers can’t be counted out to pursue a creative option — even one that spurns a typical closer role.
Closer’s job aside, the Dodgers’ bullpen could remain mostly intact. Luis Avilan, Pedro Baez, Grant Dayton, Josh Fields and Josh Ravin were all very good in the second half as the Dodgers pulled away in the NL West. A few of the aforementioned starting candidates, particularly Wood, have the potential to fill bullpen roles. While it’s unlikely to happen from the onset of the 2017 season, Urias and De Leon have the ability to dominate out of the ’pen. Middle and late-inning relief is not expected to be a priority unless, for some reason, they are unable to acquire a closer and are forced to fill the role internally.
Between Avilan, Dayton (2.05 ERA, 4.8 H/9, 2.1 BB/9, 13.3 K/9 in 25 appearances), Adam Liberatore (0.55 ERA, 10 holds in his first 42 appearances before an elbow injury derailed his season), newly-acquired Vidal Nuño and Wood, the Dodgers aren’t short on reliable lefty options for manager Dave Roberts. Baez, despite being a painfully slow worker, is capable of stepping into free agent Joe Blanton’s eighth inning setup role. Yimi Garcia, who was terrific as a rookie in 2015 before missing most of last season with biceps and knee injuries, could also factor into the mix.
After the 2018 season, the only guaranteed contracts remaining on L.A.’s books belong to Kershaw ($34.5MM in ’19 and $33.5MM in ’20), if he doesn’t exercise his opt-out clause, and Maeda ($3MM per season through ’23). Even if their inability to advance to the World Series, the success of their biggest rival and the potential loss of Jansen and Turner hasn’t changed their thinking on how they’d like to operate, it’s clear that the Dodgers have a whole lot of financial flexibility in the near future. Not only can they begin to explore contract extensions for young stars Grandal, Pederson and Seager, they are set up to make a huge splash this offseason.
Is it true that LA and CHW are discussing a Todd Frazier-Chris Sale megadeal?
Im going to go with most likely no.
Sale and Frazier? Thatd cost the dodgers urias de leon verdugo bellinger lux. Idk if they pay that price.
Nah, that’s way too much. Sale’s going to cost a lot. A 20 year-old potential TOR SP who’s already ML ready and 3 potentially top 50 prospects? No way does he command that kind of return from anyone
Ah what are you smoking. That deal wouldn’t cost half those players. And the Dodgers could’ve had Frazier for the 3 minor leaguers they sent to CIN and got better prospects back the CHI instead. Get a clue on value.
You must be smoking , the white six have asked for no less than that for sale alone.
The Sox would probably ask LA for Urias, DeLeon, and Bellinger for just Sale. His value is sky high since the team that would acquire him would get 3 years for $38M….Greinke makes $34M per year….
Its a lot closer to De Leon and Bellinger as the asking price plus 1-2 more prospects. Urias’ value right now is probably 90% of Sale when you look at his rookie season, ceiling and contract.
The Dodgers have 6 top 100 prospects not counting Urias so there is the potential for the trade as long as Chicago doesn’t get stubborn and insist on Julio. Bellinger is probably not being traded either based on Dodgers Lineup projections.
what do you mean? you think bellinger is replacing Gonzalez? either/puig platoon? toles/Thompson platoon?
One thing for sure the Dodgers and Nats will be going after Sale, by adding him they become the favorites. Both teams have lost key players to free agency and will be active to fill those positions. Sale would cost Urias, Bellinger, and maybe 2 lower level prospects or one young major league player. Puig could also be a throw in.
Puig is yet to draw his last string we can trade him in july next year when we have identified a real need in fielding but assuming turner comes back puig is an untouchable card,at least not yet
Probably talking about. Probably unlikely to occur.
Wow
That’s a lot of fragile pitcher locked up through 2018.
Fragile? How many dl appearances the last 5 seasons for sale?
He’s probably talking about Kazmir, Ryu, and McCarthy.
The dodgers could really use a good contact hitter some one who doesn’t strike out, hits for a good average and can put a useful at bat together because to me the only people in the dodgers line up who do that to me are turner, agon and Seager I wonder if Miami would accept and offer of De Leon, McCarthy, ethier and Sheffield for yelich and Avery Romero
cause we all know how much the marlins like adding payroll.
No way Yelich will be the last of Stanton and Ozuna standing. They are probably looking to moved Gordon but that doesn’t seem to be in the FOs wheel house.
AKA, Braun.
Absolutely not.
Why would the Marlins take on an extra $29 million next season and at least $14 million in 2018? Plus, Andre Ethier has 10-and-5 rights. And even if you want LA to eat both those salaries, and assume Ethier waives his no-trade clause, there’s no chance Miami goes for it.
Christian Yelich is a 25 year old, 5.0+ WAR player under a team-friendly contract ($46.75 million over next 5 years plus a $15M team option), and there’s still many that think he’ll continue to improve.
Miami wouldn’t be getting close to that value back. McCarthy has posted a negative WAR in four of the past five seasons. Ethier, even if heathy, was awful in the few games he did play last season and is 35 next year.
De Leon is a top prospect, but he’s also pretty old for that title (he’ll turn 25 next season). And he wasn’t great in his debut this year – 19 hits (5 HR), 7 BB, 12 ER in 17.0 innings, and Sheffield’s size, medical history, delivery effort, and control problems make him more likely to end up a reliever than a starter.
Would you trade a 25 year old, 5.0+ WAR player under six years of below-market-value control for a two expensive has-beens, a future reliever, and a future 3/4 starter?
A potential Yelich trade would be more along the lines of De Leon, Puig, Stewart, Lux, Sheffield. Probably even more (like Verdugo or Bellinger) considering the Marlins really have no reason to trade Yelich.
Is anyone paying attention to a lot of these teams contracts on the players for 2018? The class is going to be loaded with young stars and good veterans
It’ll be just enough for them to re-sign Kershaw after he opts out
Over 100 mil on players not even playing for them anymore. That’s bad… For all the people saying Friedman is some sorcerer supreme, this should be a rude awakening. A lot of them are busted international prospects, too. Goes to show you for every Julio Urias, there is a lot of bad international players too.
The majority of those signings pre-date Friedman
1 problem the only part of that dead money concerning players who no longer play for the Dodgers that is tied to Friedman is Olivera. Which actually attracted a pretty good package that was then flipped to acquire some nice talent. Which btw Sierra threw pretty well after being moved to them. So that goes to show you do your research.
Kemp and Olivera turned into trades that netted the Dodgers a handful of solid pieces. Grandal, Thompson, Wood, etc. Some of the other pieces were then packaged to get Hill and Reddick. The Olivera trade specifically turned into a huge haul. Not bad for a guy who was recently released.
It’s hard to argue that the last two postseason appearances are an objective indicator that the Dodgers are going in any better direction then they were in the previous two. All four resulted in flameouts, for pretty much the same reasons.
Also I have to clap my hands over my ears when I hear someone suggest that Baez is a capable setup guy. His painfully slow pace is not the reason so much as his painful tendency towards giving up long balls. You want to hear Dodger fans groan consistently? Bring in Baez in the 8th with less than a two-run lead.
Watching Baez pitch is certainly a painful experience. I shudder at his slow-pace, as much as I shudder at his flat 97mph fastballs that go right down the pipe.
How about this for a three way trade…
Blue Jays get: Adrian Gonzalez, Ian Kinsler
Dodgers get: Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez, Devon Travis, Dalton Pompey
Tigers get: Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, Alex Wood, Justin Smoak, Rowdy Tellez
Al Avila says oh hell no. No one said it was a fire sale. he just came out and said it would take 3 years to gear down the payroll, so part of that is the expiration of VMart’s deal. Wood is crap, Puig is crap, Smoak wishes he was the crap Puig and Wood are.. Garbage offer.
Scott I’m calling 911 cause you surely must have fallen and hit your head
My name isn’t Scott Boras, and I don’t approve of this message.
Every single team involved would say no.
Kinsler would even say no! He previously blocked a trade to the Jays before the 2013 trade
Hard to say whether Friedman and Zaidi are cautious or simply incapable of pulling the trigger. I’m betting it’s the latter at this point.
How do you distinguish between the two?
So far these guys are running the Dodgers like the risk management department at an insurance company.
They have a mandate to lower payroll, and they have. I don’t think you’ll see splashy signings until after 2018 when they’ll finally be rid of an insane amount of dead money.
…and if they do start making splashy signings after 2018, then they will be creating their own dead money contracts. Because wastage in capturing top free agents is just plain inevitable, it’s only a matter of how much.
I’m just spit-balling here what if we can leverage the pirates into giving us mccutchen ….MIND BLOWING
The only untouchable prospects at this point should be: Urias, Bellinger and low level young minor leaguers Yadier Alvarez and big boy Rios. All other prospects should be in play.
Urias is no longer a prospect but yes I get your drift but Urias is not untouchable for Sale. Bellinger should be untouchable but everyone else is fair game especially Rios. Obviously Alvarez is in play for a tor guy.
You really think a 23 year old, 6th round corner infielder with strikeout problems and awful defense that struggled in AA last season is untouchable but guys like Verdugo, De Leon, Calhoun, and Diaz aren’t…?
Bellinger is a top 50 prospect who plays 1st base where Agon is probably not starting in 3 years.
The two pitchers are very good but there are other pitchers in the minors. Verdugo is an OF where the Dodgers have options, even if they don’t have as much potential.
Calhoun has a very good bat, but not sure if he can stay at 2B with his fielding.
Urias and Bellinger are the only two I’d put as untouchable but still want good major league players.
My god does Kenta Maeda look like a bargain at the price in the article.
That’s just the guaranteed base salary. He has more performance bonuses built into his contract than anyone in baseball history, probably. He at least tripled his base salary this season.
Yeah he made $11.75 million last year, which is pretty good for a solid #3 starter type.
annual bonuses:
$0.15M for making active Opening Day roster
$1.00M each for 15 games started, 20 games started
$1.50M for 25 games started, 30 games started, 32 games started
$0.25M each for 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 IP
$0.75M for 200 IP
Still an excellent contract for the Dodgers, but in reality, Maeda will make at least $10 million or so a year if he’s regularly in the rotation and avoids any major injuries.
You missed the $10k he earns for every day he gets out of bed before noon on days when he doesn’t start.
Okay maybe he doesn’t get that one but it’s the only one.
VERLANDER FOR DE LEON AND BELLINGER,THOUGHTS?!?!
Bellinger is pretty much untouchable. He’s close to Major league ready and Agon has 2 years or less left as starting 1B.
Right now, Urias’ value is getting very close to Sale’s.
Sale 3.34 ERA over 226 IP. 27 years old, 4years left on contract for ~$46 million.
Urias 3.39 ERA over 77 IP. 1.99 ERA post all-star break. 20 years old rookie. 2 years of team contract ($400K-600K typically) 3 years of arbitration.
You’re not going to see another top 50 prospect with Urias in any trade and honestly, he’s not getting traded. He’s too cheap with too high of ceiling and demonstrated ability to have a trade make the Dodgers significantly better in short or long term..
The Dodgers have DeLeon, Verdugo, Calhoun, Alvarez and Diaz who are all still considered top 100 prospects so they have plenty to trade without Bellinger and Urais.
Let’s see… They’ve retained virtually every top prospect in the Dodgers’ system, avoided any long-term albatross signings, rebuilt their international scouting dept. and stocked the system with more talent, and managed to maintain a strong and deep enough roster to continue to win the division year after year. Not bad in my book.
True, this losing in the post season is getting really tiresome. They need a stronger 1-3 in their rotation They should be willing to put together a package of prospects other than Urias, Bellinger and Alvarez to land a solid, reliable #2.
Re-sign Turner, sign one of the three top closers and trade for Verlander/Kinsler.using DeLeon, Verdugo, Calhoun Diaz and Sheffield as the centerpiece to the package.
I’m just glad they are making the postseason. I’d love to see them go to the World Series of course, but I was surprised (happily) that they won two games against the Cubs. They had me believing for a little bit!
Would love to see them get a legit leadoff hitter, plus a solid bat with lower strikeout totals. Wouldn’t mind Braun at all. They need another solid starter and please get at least one, if not more, good set up guys for the bullpen. Like other have posted, Baez scares the hell out of me. I hope they are able to keep Turner and Jansen.