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With just under two months until pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch in February, Los Angeles continues to look for ways to strengthen its roster. Expectations to win are, one way or another, higher than ever, and the Dodgers could add pieces to prepare not only for a potential championship this year, but several more in the future.
Here are four things to consider and watch as the calendar turns to 2024:
1. The biggest question to answer before spring training
Are the Dodgers done adding to the rotation?
Yamamoto and Glasnow join Bobby Miller to form a solid 1-3, but with Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May all recovering from surgery, the Dodgers need to establish some depth – especially given the mixed results of the hopefuls who have made their debut. last season.
That doesn’t necessarily mean they need another ace-type pitcher, and there are still plenty of solid options on the free agent market. But the discussions What they had regarding trade candidates Corbin Burnes and Dylan Cease also proved successful?
2. A player poised for an exceptional season
Miller was pushed into big league duty earlier than expected last season due to a series of injuries in the Dodgers’ starting rotation, and he responded with a good historical start to a career. His overall numbers also proved to be quite solid, as he recorded a 3.76 ERA and a 1.10 ERA. WHIP in 22 starts. With some MLB experience under his belt, the former Top 100 prospect with a 100 mph fastball could be in for a big 2024.
3. Prospect to watch in 2024
With MLB Pipeline Farming System #6 and five players in the Top 100you can’t really go wrong following any top Dodgers prospects. Let’s go with Nick Frasso (The Dodgers Number 4, No. 65 overall), is expected to make his MLB debut next season after reaching Triple-A in 2023. Armed with a four-seamer that touches 100 mph, Frasso has worked exclusively as a pro starter. However, he only went six full innings once in his three Minor League seasons. While the rotation may still be in his future, it’s easy to imagine him making Los Angeles’ roster at some point as a high-octane relief option.
4. A prediction for the new year
Dodger Stadium will be more electric than ever.
Look, the Dodgers have had some big seasons over the last decade. They draw sellout crowds year after year, with playoff appearances a regular feature. They are no strangers to star power. But they never had the $700 million man on their roster. Ohtani draws crowds wherever he goes – imagine the energy when he steps to the plate for the first time in a Dodgers uniform. (And, for that matter, when he takes the mound for the first time after recovering from elbow surgery.)
