Dodgers 25-Man Roster If the Season Started Today

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal provides the Dodgers lineup with a homerun threat every time he comes to bat. His power numbers recently have been above league average. And he’s a pretty good defensive catcher, too. Grandal carries a reputation as one of the best in the game at pitch framing.

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After signing him to a one-year $7.9 million contract and thus  avoiding his last year of arbitration, the Dodgers will be relying on Grandal this year to be their primary catcher. If he needs a breather, never fear, backup Austin Barnes is there. The Dodgers expect Barnes to provide steady offense and help the team in any way. Known to sport an infielder’s glove when called upon, Barnes is also no slouch on defense. I suspect that Barnes will see his share of playing time increase this year. The Dodgers want to get a good look at what they have when Yasmani becomes a free agent at the end of the season and most likely leaves LA for another team.

2 Catchers:

Yasmani Grandal, Catcher

Austin Barnes, Catcher/Infielder

Catching duties are being handled by a solid group, as are infield responsibilities. The bullpen looks good, but could improve with the addition of a dominant setup pitcher, particularly a lefty. As far as the starting rotation, obviously, Yu Darvish would make a nice complement to what the Dodgers already have. An upgrade in center field is another area where the team may be looking at improvement, but probably only if the acquired player is a definite value and superior to in-house options.

Next: Font and Thompson Options

The Dodgers 25-Man roster looks to be OK barring further moves heading into this season. There’s always a desire to improve, though. I’d still like to see the Dodgers make a run at signing one or more of the top remaining free agents before Spring Training arrives.