3 players for Los Angeles Dodgers to target this offseason

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The 2022 season was essentially the same as most of the past decade for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Once again, the Dodgers dominated in the regular season. Their 111 wins were not just the most in franchise history; that total tied for the fourth most in major league history. And yet, the 2022 season ended in disappointment as the Dodgers were bounced out of the postseason in four games during the NLDS.

Three players for Los Angeles Dodgers to target

The Dodgers find themselves in a familiar place this offseason. They have a strong roster, but have a few holes to fill. Ownership will go beyond the luxury tax as they are willing to spend whatever is necessary to bring another championship to the franchise. Otherwise, they will come another step closer to being this generation’s Braves team of the 1990s and into the 2000s.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are still looking to bring another championship home. Let’s look at three players that could help in that quest.

Brandon Nimmo

The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in need of a center fielder now that Cody Bellinger was not tendered a contract.

Bellinger has had a remarkable fall from grace. The 2019 NL MVP was unable to get on track during the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign, his production cratering thereafter. While he was still solid defensively, the Dodgers just could not continue to justify having him on the roster.

Now the time has come for the Dodgers to find a new center fielder. The problem is that there is very little at the position available. That is, aside from Brandon Nimmo, who is easily the head of the class in center. He would serve as a solid top of the lineup option for the Dodgers while providing Gold Glove caliber defense.

The Dodgers would have plenty of competition for his services. More than half the league could use an upgrade in center. His former team, the Mets, may be the one team willing to spend more than they are. But the Dodgers are more than willing to open the vault as well. Nimmo could find his way to Los Angeles.

Brandon Nimmo would be a great fit for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It is just a matter of opening the wallet.

Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports /

Pablo Lopez

On the surface, the Los Angeles Dodgers have a solid rotation.

Clayton Kershaw is back to resume his place atop the rotation. Julio Urias followed his breakout 2021 season by finishing third in the Cy Young vote and leading the National League in ERA. Tony Gonsolin was an All Star, and Dustin May will be healthy. However, there is little depth and the health of that group outside of Urias is questionable at best.

Meanwhile, there is a potential option available for trade. The Marlins have made virtually every pitcher outside of Sandy Alcantara available. As the Dodgers have plenty of prospects, and the Marlins are desperately looking for help in the lineup, the pieces are there to make a deal for Pablo Lopez.

Despite being overlooked due to his place in Miami, Lopez has been a solid pitcher. He posted a 3.75 ERA and a 1.167 WHiP in his 180 innings last season, striking out 174 batters with 53 walks as he held the opposition to a .234/.296/.404 batting line in 736 plate appearances. At 27 years old to begin the 2023 season, and in front of what would be a much better team, Lopez could have a breakout campaign.

The Los Angeles Dodgers need someone that can take the ball every fifth day. Pablo Lopez could be exactly what they need for the rotation.

Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-USA TODAY Sports /

Xander Bogaerts

Trea Turner was the perfect fit for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His ability to get on base, coupled with his dynamic all around game, made him exactly what the Dodgers needed atop the lineup. However, he is one of the top shortstops available in free agency, with several teams in hot pursuit for his services.

It could make sense for the Dodgers to pivot to another of the top shortstops on the market. One such option would be Xander Bogaerts, who they have recently been connected to. While this could be a matter of due diligence, Bogaerts’ power bat would fit well into the lineup. At the same time, the Dodgers could keep Gavin Lux at second where he may be a better fit.

The Dodgers also do not necessarily need to worry about a top of the lineup sparkplug. His former teammate, Mookie Betts, could easily handle the leadoff role, allowing Bogaerts to be another middle of the lineup option. For a team whose offense completely fell apart in that brief four game stint in the postseason, adding someone such as Bogaerts could be the missing piece.

The Los Angeles Dodgers need to find a shortstop if Trea Turner departs. Xander Bogaerts would be another powerful bat for a dangerous lineup.

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