Dodgers: Which franchise legend would help the 2020 team most?

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LOS ANGELES – JUNE 12: Eric Gagne of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches and records his 8th save during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium on June 12, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers defeated the Twins 4-3. (Photo by Robert Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Dodgers legend: Eric Gagne, Closer

If there is one area of concern on the 2020 Dodgers roster, it is the closer role. While Kenley Jansen has been one of the most dominant relievers in Dodgers history – look up the numbers – his performance has fallen off a bit in recent times. Whether he returns to form this season could dictate whether the Dodgers win a championship or not.

If manager Dave Roberts could add Eric Gagne in his prime to the back of his bullpen, the added value to the roster would be immense.

Imagine the 2003 version of Eric Gagne closing things down after Kenley Jansen and Pedro Baez set him up? It would be six innings from the starter, and lights out. Something that would have particular impact on the 2020 season when bullpens will need to be extra deep as pitchers strengthen their arms and pitch over a compressed schedule.

Gagne was the 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner with 55 saves in 77 appearances. He struck out 137 batters, while walking only 20, and allowed only 11 earned runs all season long.

The Dodgers will be tough to beat in 2020, but with a Cy Young version of Gagne in the back of the bullpen, they might be invincible.

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