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Dodgers: Why Andrew Friedman is facing his biggest off-season yet

By Michael Wittman

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: President of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Andrew Friedman, looks on from the field before game one of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on October 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: President of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Andrew Friedman, looks on from the field before game one of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on October 03, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 06: Reliever Kenley Jansen #74 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Veterans may need to accept new roles

While it is ultimately on Dave Roberts to handle the Dodgers’ locker room and any issues that occur, Andrew Friedman’s off-season moves will give Roberts the players needed to move several veterans into different roles.  Kenley Jansen will likely open the 2020 season as the closer, but if Friedman adds an elite reliever, it could allow Roberts to demote Jansen if he struggles again.

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Corey Seager and Justin Turner could also be in line for role changes especially if the Dodgers acquire Francisco Lindor or sign Anthony Rendon.  The addition of either could determine the positions of Seager and Turner if Seager is not included in a potential deal for Lindor.  The signing of Rendon would likely shift Turner to first base with Max Muncy moving over to second base.  A move for Lindor would shift Seager and Turner.

Then there is Clayton Kershaw who will still be a part of the Dodgers’ regular and postseason rotation although he may need to be moved down a slot to be the team’s fourth playoff starter.  If he remains the third playoff starter the team will need to quit using him in relief as they did in game five of the NLDS.  Less involvement and expectations for Kershaw in the postseason could lead to better results.

Next. What the Dodgers can take away from the 2019 World Series. dark

Then there is the fact that Justin Turner is entering the last year of his contract and he turns 35 years old in November.  JT’s bat remains clutch and prolific as ever, but his defense regressed in 2019 and a move to first base may be in order.  It could help keep him healthy during the long season and bolster the defense.  Andrew Friedman has a lot to consider this off-season making it easily the biggest off-season he has encountered while running the show in LA.

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