Dodgers Quick Hits: Day Two Winter Meetings Recap

The Dodgers settled in on day two of the winter meetings and the rumors started to fly regarding the boys in blue.  Some new players were added to the rumor mill.

Tuesday and Wednesday of the winter meetings are usually the most active rumor and transaction days of the winter meetings and that trend figures to continue this year.  The Dodgers were involved in a wide range of rumors on Monday with some involving targets who have been named in previous weeks like DJ LeMahieu.  There were also some new players added to the Dodgers pool of rumors.

Dodgers Interested in the Next JD Martinez?

One of the latest rumors to come from the winter meetings arrived last night as Jon Morosi mentioned that the Dodgers have interest in Nick Castellanos.  Castellanos fits the mold of JD Martinez who revived his career in Detroit.  The Dodgers have a surplus of outfielders so acquiring another outfielder is an interesting scenario.  Perhaps the Dodgers could pull off an Andrew Friedman special and swing a third team in for a larger piece than Castellanos.

Trade Talks for Kluber Heat Up

More from LA Dodgers News

• Kevin Kiermaier being ‘top target’ to replace Cody Bellinger is bad sign for Dodgers
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• 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

The Dodgers’ have long had interest in Trevor Bauer and Corey Kluber this off-season and reports surfaced yesterday that trade talks for Kluber were heating up and the Dodgers were at the middle of the trade talks.  Adding Kluber to the rotation would be a wise move for the Dodgers and it would set their playoff rotation up to compete with the dangerous lineups of the American League should they make it back to the World Series again.

Dodgers Looking to Snag a Former Rockie

The Dodgers also continued to show interest in DJ LeMahieu on Monday.  The former Rockie would boost the Dodgers’ lineup against lefties as he has hit .340 over the past three seasons again left-handed pitching.  DJ is also known to mash fellow NL West opponents so he would be the perfect upgrade at second base.  Between his elite defense and ability to crush lefties, LeMahieu would be a solid upgrade from a Taylor/Hernandez platoon.

Dodgers Interested in a World Series Hero

The Dodgers are reportedly a team to watch in the Joe Kelly sweepstakes.  Kelly had an average regular season posting an ERA of 4.39 but he was lights out in the postseason holding opposing batters to a .186 batting average.  He also pitched to a stellar 0.79 ERA in the playoffs and was an integral part of the Red Sox bullpen.  Kelly is an LA native and would be the Dodgers’ primary setup man.

Notes from Andrew Friedman

Andrew Friedman confirmed what most thought on Monday evening by stating that Keibert Ruiz is not expected to be ready until the 2020 season.  Will Smith could make an impact during 2019 but he is unlikely to start the season on the active roster according to Friedman.  The Dodgers are looking for a catcher to pair up with Austin Barnes.

Friedman also provided an update on Corey Seager by stating that Seager is already hitting and working on a throwing and running program.  Seager underwent Tommy John and hip surgeries in 2018 so he will look to come back at full strength in 2019.  According to Friedman, Seager is looking to go from rehab mode to training mode.