3 players for Los Angeles Dodgers to target this offseason
By David Hill
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.