Dodgers: Predicting the Dodgers Lineup With Manny Machado

The Dodgers appear to be close to landing Manny Machado according to all the latest rumors.  What would the Dodgers lineup look like with Machado in it?

The Dodgers are going to land Manny Machado as it appears the trade is going to happen and it’s simply a matter of time and final details.  The addition of Machado would be the biggest bat the Dodgers have acquired at the non-waiver trade deadline since Manny Ramirez brought Mannywood to Los Angeles in the infamous deal with the Red Sox.

The addition of Machado would appear to be a luxury but the move actually could end up as a necessary addition.  Prior to the all-star break, the Dodgers offense was having issues scoring and failing to come through with runners in scoring position.  Manny Machado will bring his .300 batting average and 24 home runs to the Dodgers lineup and essentially replace the bat of Corey Seager who is out for the season.

Manny Machado will play shortstop for the Dodgers and most likely move Chris Taylor over to second base.  Max Muncy will occupy first base and Cody Bellinger will use his speed and athleticism out in centerfield.  Given that Machado’s defense at shortstop is known to be shaky, the Max Muncy second base experiment should come to an end.  Chris Taylor or Kiké Hernandez will fill in at second base with Chase Utley getting time there as well.

With Yasiel Puig currently out, the Dodgers lineup for the immediate future should be:

Versus Righties

Joc Pederson/Andrew Toles LF

Max Muncy 1B

Manny Machado SS

Justin Turner 3B

Cody Bellinger CF

Matt Kemp RF

Yasmani Grandal C

Chris Taylor 2B

If Justin Turner needs a disabled list stint with his abductor injury that was suffered prior to the all-star break, then Max Muncy will man third base with Cody Bellinger playing first base, and Joc Pederson, Andrew Toles, and Kiké Hernandez sharing time in centerfield.  The Dodgers lineup against left-handed starting pitchers should look like this:

More from LA Dodgers News

• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be
• Recapping who Dodgers gained and lost in Rule 5 Draft
• Dodgers ironically sign former all-star to potentially replace Cody Bellinger

Chris Taylor 2B

Kiké Hernandez LF

Manny Machado SS

Justin Turner 3B

Matt Kemp RF

Max Muncy 1B

Cody Bellinger CF

Austin Barnes C

When Yasiel Puig returns from his oblique injury he will play right field and hit eighth with Matt Kemp once again playing left field on a regular basis.  The Dodgers figure to hit Manny Machado second or third to make sure he hits in the first inning and to maximize his at-bats per game.  The Dodgers should hit Max Muncy or Kiké Hernandez second in order to get them more fastballs which both crush when facing their opposite sided pitchers.

Next: The Dodgers all 2000's all-star lineup

Regardless of what lineup the Dodgers choose to go with, the addition of Manny Machado is a big one and a move that gets the Dodgers lineup right back to where it would be with Corey Seager.  Given that Clayton Kershaw could opt out of his contract later this year, the Machado pickup shows Kershaw that the Dodgers are doing everything they can to win a World Series even with a key player like Corey Seager out.