TEMPE, Ariz. — Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman admitted the team doesn’t have many position decisions to make heading into this spring.
The Dodgers had a good idea of what their team was going to look like on Opening Day on March 30th. Gavin Lux now probably available for the entire 2023 season after suffering from a torn right ACL on Mondaythese plans have changed dramatically.
Friedman met with reporters Friday to discuss the team’s current situation. Here are three things that stood out from the 15-minute conversation.
Now what?
Finding a replacement for Lux won’t be easy given the time of year. Friedman acknowledged that it’s always difficult to find improvements in the spring because most teams already have an idea of what their Opening Day roster will look like. Trading an impact player isn’t something teams usually do this time of year.
However, one way to improve the roster could be to find a player who adds depth in the infield or outfield. On the free agent market, Jurickson Profar is the most established player still there, but he may not be a logical choice. The commercial market will have some options by late spring.
“We will definitely spend a lot more time talking about the different profiles that can fit,” Friedman said. “Spring training is usually not the best time for these types of moves. But we will have conversations and see what is possible and what is not.
The “profile” the Dodgers follow over the next few weeks will be worth watching. With Lux injured, the original plan is abandoned, so now the Dodgers must search for answers. Miguel Rojaswho was acquired to be a depth player, is now the team’s everyday shortstop. Chris Taylorwho was going to be used as an outfielder, will now have more responsibilities on the field.
Do the Dodgers need another outfielder due to roster shuffling? Should they add a left-handed bat to replace Lux’s production? These are just some of the questions they face. They have a few weeks to respond.
No closer, no problem?
Unless they make a late decision this spring, it appears the Dodgers are set to enter a season without a designated closer for the first time in over a decade.
The Dodgers have enjoyed the production of Kenley Jansen, the organization’s all-time saves leader, for a very long time, and they had a roller coaster ride with Craig Kimbrel last season.
This season, Evan Phillips is the team’s best reliever, but the Dodgers are in no rush to remove him from the “firefighter” role they value even more than a closer. Yency Almonte, Daniel Hudson, Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia could all close out games, but the team is in no rush to name a closer.
“I don’t think it’s a necessity,” Friedman said. “I think the most important question to answer is do you think our bullpen is going to be really good, and that’s what we think. Then it’s about the mindset of each of these guys, keeping them in the best headspace to go out and have a lot of success.
Extension of Urias?
The Dodgers have a handful of pending free agents, but none more important than the left-hander Julio Uriaswho became the team’s ace while leading the National League with a 2.16 ERA in 2022.
When asked about his contract situation earlier this spring, Urías acknowledged that it was “impossible to hide” from the fact that he was entering a contract season. On the other hand, Urías said he is focused on the next World Baseball Classic and will let his agent, Scott Boras, handle all negotiations.
Friedman came out Friday and said, as expected, that he would not go into detail about contract negotiations, which is the norm for the organization. He did, however, share some optimism that Urias will stay in Los Angeles even as he tests free agency this offseason.
“We think Julio loves being a Dodger and I know we love having Julio as a Dodger,” Friedman said. “I think anytime you have that dynamic where the team really wants the player and the player really likes the team, I think it always increases the odds, but he puts himself in a great position to go out and make very good for himself and his family.”
