Dodgers: Bold Off-Season Predictions

For some people, the off-season could be just as exciting as the regular season. All of the rumors, breaking news, and excitement that lead to the season creates this huge feeling towards the MLB off-season. Although, the Dodgers have been a bit passive since Friedman has taken over, this year it all lines up for him to make a splash. Here are a few bold predictions for the off-season.

Outside of the Matt Kemp trade in his first year at the helm, Friedman has not made many big trades or signings over the off-season. Even the Kemp trade was the Dodgers trading away a star and not trading for one.

The formula for Friedman has been cheap veterans or players on expiring contracts like Howie Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins and Logan Forsythe. It has obviously garnered some success, as evidence by the Dodgers back to back NL pennants. However, it has not helped them attain their ultimate goal of a World Series title.

This off-season feels different. The reason Friedman had to settle for cheap veterans and expiring contracts was because they wanted to reset the luxury tax penalty. That goal was achieved last season, meaning Friedman can finally take the gloves off and make the big splash Dodger fans have been longing for every off-season.

Now, Friedman has a fresh slate. He no longer has to worry about getting his team under the luxury tax. This will be the first time in his career that financial handcuffs will be off. In Tampa Bay that was a constant struggle, and since his arrival to Los Angeles that has been at the forefront of his mind when making deals.

It will be interesting to see just how Friedman responds. Especially since teams have been taking his front office help. Friedman has always had a small-market mindset, he will now have the opportunity to flex that financial muscle that Los Angeles has, and it will be intriguing to see what a mind like his can do without having to worry as much about financial constraints.

Dodgers resign Manny Machado

Yes, I am well aware that Corey Seager is returning. Either way signing a talent like Machado would make any team better. His antics have been blown a bit out of proportion. A star like Manny changes the team for the better.

It all kind of makes sense if you really think about it. Corey Seager is fresh off of Tommy John surgery. Making throws from short is not easy even though Machado makes it look easy. Seager may be better suited easing his way in and starting at second base.

This could also be a long term solution to a different problem. Justin Turner is entering his age 34 season and has 2 years remaining on his deal. So if Seager’s arm is fine, either he or Machado could move to third base, and just like that you have 2 of the best players in baseball on the left side of your infield for the next 5-7 years.

Machado seemed to enjoy his brief tenure in blue. It was his first taste of a deep playoff run. The Dodgers saved him from a dumpster fire out in Baltimore. He looked like he thrived in the role of being the “bad guy”.

With reports of teams being out of the running for Machado due to his comments earlier in 2018. This should drive his price down and make even more sense for te Dodgers to add him on somewhat of a discount, even though his asking price will still be monstrous

Machado is a special talent. His antics are nowhere near as bad as people say they are. Any fan that wants to win should be happy if they had one of the best players in baseball on their team. Manny Machado makes this team better, now and in the future. Signing him would be beneficial for any and every team.

Dodgers trade for Blake Treinen

The lack of depth in the bullpen was a glaring issue in the playoffs. The Dodgers had one reliable reliever. To the surprise of everybody that reliever was Pedro Baez. Not even Kenley Jansen was able to shut down an inning consistently.

Bullpen help is going to be addressed this off-season. Whether it is going to be done via trade or free agency, this needs to and will be addressed.

What better solution than arguably the best reliever in baseball during the 2018 season? Treinen had an unreal season with the surprising A’s. They managed to win 97 games and Treinen was a huge reason for this.

He boasted a 0.78 ERA/ 0.83 WHIP/ .158 BAA. All the while striking out 100 batters in just over 80 innings. He was virtually unhittable in 2018.

There are a plethora of free agents available which is why this seems like a long shot. Also with teams like Seattle and Cleveland blowing the team up, they have relievers that would be easier to work out a deal for.

But hear me out. The Oakland A’s are the kings of selling high on their investment. Josh Donaldson, Ryan Madson, Rich Hill, Yoenis Cespededes among others. They really don’t care how good a player is, if they believe the return is cheaper and better, they will pull the trigger on any trade.

This acquisition would immediately bolster the bullpen. It would also give the Dodgers a backup plan if, Kenley has health issues once again. The Dodgers could also relieve some pressure from Jansen and lower his workload and that would be helpful for his health. Blake Treinen would help solve a lot of problems.