Dodgers: Three veteran bats to replace David Freese

Maikel Franco

The main qualifications to replace David Freese in 2020 are to be able to hit lefties and to be able to play first base. Franco can likely satisfy both of those, while being given a fresh start with LA.

(Even though he technically is under team control for two more seasons, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand believes Franco is likely to be non-tendered this offseason.)

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In 389 ABs with the Phillies in 2019, Franco hit just .234 with 17 home runs. But in 2018, he hit .270 with 22 home runs in 433 ABs and he has 102 career home runs in five full seasons, demonstrating his higher ability than his 2019 self demonstrated.

Against lefties, he hit .245 with six home runs in just over 100 ABs in 2019, which is better in the batting AVG department at least than his numbers against righties, though his 2017 and 2018 splits are less favorable, as he hit much closer to .210 in both of those seasons against lefties.

If the Dodgers were to sign Franco, he’d likely work out with the team in Spring Training like Brad Miller and Travis d’Arnaud did in 2018, and like them, he may be shipped off to bring in a meager return. While he could fit with the Dodgers, he’s never played in the postseason, which puts him at a disadvantage in comparison to the other candidates I’ve laid out in this article.

But his power, relative youth, and full-time potential makes him an intriguing possibility.