Los Angeles Dodgers: Acquiring Lindor won’t fix big problems
The Los Angeles Dodgers will target Francisco Lindor via trade this offseason, but getting him won’t fix the issue holding them back from a World Series.
Acquiring Francisco Lindor sounds like the perfect opportunity for the Los Angeles Dodgers to boost their star power in their lineup right?
Yes and no.
Lindor is arguably the best shortstop in all of baseball. The Cleveland Indians don’t have the money to sign Lindor when he reaches free agency after two more seasons, so he will likely be traded for something in return other than a compensation pick.
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If L.A. were to acquire him It would easily make the Dodgers the best team in the National League, and they would go and win over 100 games again next season.
They would be the #1 seed going into October and would probably have a home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
But acquiring Lindor won’t solve their biggest problem, which is the bullpen.
Their bullpen–and Dave Roberts‘ questionable managing– led to their first-round exit in the NLDS. In the decisive Game 5 at home after Walker Buehler has pitched well and had left the game with the lead, Clayton Kershaw entered the game and got out of his first inning of work unscathed.
But Roberts relied on his starter to pitch another inning, which would end with the game tied thanks to back to back home runs on back to back pitches by Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto.
Why was Clayton Kershaw even out there?
Because Dave Roberts wasn’t confident in his bullpen to produce.
So, although trading for an all-star shortstop would make the regular season record better, it wouldn’t make them any better come October because their real problem is the bullpen.
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The only way the Dodgers can get over the hump is if they can improve their bullpen, as acquiring offensive players won’t hide the Dodgers Achilles heel.