Perhaps one of the most interesting dilemmas facing the Dodgers as they look toward the upcoming offseason is the veteran slugger’s pending free agency. J.D. Martinez. After signing a one-year, $10 million contract with the club last offseason, Martinez had his best offensive season since 2019. In 479 trips to the plate with the Dodgers, Martinez had a fantastic .271/.321/.572, good for a 135 wRC+ that ranked 16th among all hitters with 450 plate appearances this season.
That type of offensive production would normally make extending Martinez a qualifying offer a no-brainer for Andrew Friedman and his front office; after all, both Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic And Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times suggest that multi-year deals could be on the table for Martinez in free agency, with Ardaya in particular suggesting that Martinez is likely to receive more than the rough one-year, $20.5 million deal that a QO would provide. That said, the situation is more complicated than it appears at first glance. Like MLBTR’s Darragh McDonald and Antoine Franco talked about in last week’s episode of MLB Trade Rumors Podcastthe possibility of Martinez accepting the QO could complicate things for LA.
After all, it’s no secret that the Dodgers should pursue the top free agent and two-way star. Shohei Ohtani this offseason. After undergoing elbow surgery, Ohtani will be relegated to exclusive DH duties in 2024. That means if the club drafts Martinez and Ohtani next year, the Dodgers should either play him in the outfield, where he won’t only played 12 innings. the past two seasons and last played regularly in 2017, or else use him as a $20.5 million bench bat, an exorbitant cost even for a high-salary Los Angeles club. Additionally, there is reason to believe Martinez could accept the offer. After all, the veteran slugger enters his age-36 season in 2024 and missed time in August due to a nagging groin injury. Given his age and health issues this season, it’s at least conceivable that his market isn’t as strong as his fantastic offensive numbers suggest.
Speaking of Ohtani, Harris notes that signing the No. 1 free agent this winter will be a “top priority” for the Dodgers. Given that the three-time All-Star won’t take the mound next season, he can’t satisfy the team’s need to start pitching in 2024. Still, the Dodgers seem like a great choice to perhaps the most unique talent in MLB history. According to Harris, the club is “cautiously optimistic” about their chances of landing the superstar, although he quickly adds that “it’s anyone’s guess” which factors Ohtani will value most in the search for his next contract; even members of the Dodgers front office don’t know what it will take to land the presumptive AL MVP. Los Angeles may offer a high salary and the chance to challenge for a title, but Ohtani won’t have a shortage of suitors and he can certainly afford to be selective.
On the subject of starting pitching, Harris also mentions that the Dodgers should target Corbin Burnes should the Brewers look to trade the former Cy Young winner. Not long ago, Burnes seemed like a likely candidate for a trade, given the significant raise he is likely to get in arbitration and his upcoming free agency following the 2024 campaign. However, with the news that Brandon Woodruff is likely to be missing most (if not all) of the upcoming season, the Brewers may be more hesitant to part ways with Burnes. Still, if the star right-hander is indeed on the trading block, the Dodgers could be a good match.
Returning to position players, it’s no surprise that there is mutual interest between the Dodgers and the veteran outfielder. Jason Heyward. About a month ago, Harris reported on the mutual admiration between Heyward and his Dodgers teammates, and he notes today that “we believe there is a mutual interest” between the former All-Star and the team that helped spark his recovery at the end of career. What’s a little more surprising is the fact that the superstar Bets on Mookie is expected to play a significant amount of second base again next year, potentially freeing up playing time for Heyward in the outfield.
Betts started as a second baseman, but became a full-time outfielder during his sophomore season in 2015. He has since won six Gold Gloves for his work in right field, compiling 148 defensive runs saved and 56 strikeouts above average in ten seasons. as an outfielder. The versatile athlete that he is, Betts was more than capable of filling in at second base (and shortstop) in 2023, even though he hasn’t played more than ten games a year in the field since his rookie campaign. However, advanced defensive metrics were mixed on his performance at second, and his strong arm is undoubtedly a stronger asset in the outfield. While his flexibility is valuable, it’s hard to imagine his best position being anything other than right field.
The Dodgers could still ask for some infield help this winter, pushing Betts back into a full-time outfield role. That said, the free agent market for outfielders is significantly deeper, with Heyward just one of several options. Additionally, Betts has made it clear that he is comfortable playing second and, clearly, the Dodgers are happy with that arrangement as well. It may not be his best position, but it could be what’s best for the team in 2024.
