Dodgers: Predicting which free agents return in 2021

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Justin Turner, Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Several Dodgers may not return for the 2021 season.

There could be a lot of unfinished business to settle on the Los Angeles Dodgers roster heading into next offseason. While it appears Major League Baseball will find a way to play at least 48 games this season, negotiations on a potential 2020 season turn more sour by the day.

One thing we do know is that players who are eligible to become free agents will hit the open market whether games are played or not this season. That is part of an agreement between the players and owners which was settled in March. Is it possible the two sides re-negotiate service time considerations in brokering a deal for returning-to-play this summer? I suppose so. But based on the hard-line players are taking on their previous agreement on pro-rated salaries, I wouldn’t count on it.

Of course, as Dodger fans are fully aware by now, if the 2020 season is ultimately canceled, it is possible superstar Mookie Betts never plays a game in a Dodgers uniform.

While he is the most notable player who could find himself on another team next season, there are several Dodgers players set to become free agents. President Andrew Friedman will have some difficult decisions to make in managing his payroll and setting his roster for 2021 and beyond.

As we wait for the powers that be to decide whether we will be gifted a 2020 season, let’s predict who will return to the Dodgers in 2021.

Justin Turner, Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Predicting 2021 Dodgers Free Agents: Justin Turner

Prediction: Re-signs short, multi-year deal

It’s hard to imagine fan favorite Justin Turner playing anywhere else after rejuvenating his career with the Dodgers. The local product went from a utility man searching for extra at-bats in the back-end of doubleheaders to a key cog in the National League’s best lineup. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Turner has turned into the heart-and-soul of the team.

All of that said, he will be 36 next November, and his range at third base is already in decline, so unless the National League institutes a full-time DH, it could be difficult to justify a large, multi-year deal for a player toward the end of his career.

However, if the 2020 season is canceled or played with reduced revenues, the market demand for Turner might not reach astronomical prices. The Dodgers should be able to bring him back on a short, multi-year deal in the 1-3 year range, which is appropriate for keeping a team leader in the clubhouse, despite his advanced age.

And if he can continue to handle himself in the field, there appears to be plenty of hits remaining in Turner’s bat. The third baseman tied a career-high with 27 home runs last season.

Pedro Baez, Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Predicting 2021 Dodgers Free Agents: Pedro Báez

Prediction: Re-signs on short-term deal

An unheralded arm out of the bullpen, Pedro Báez enters his final season of team-control in 2020, making him eligible to hit the open market next offseason.

Used as a set-up man in either the 7th or 8th inning, the right-hander has provided steady results sine 2015. In 337 appearances, he has rarely ever deviated too far from his 3.03 career ERA from season-to-season. You can pretty much write down that he will give you 65-70 appearances, with a high strikeout rate, and a three-run ERA before each season, and watch it come true.

Where Báez gets himself into trouble is with his control. In 2017 and 2018, he saw his walk rate hover around four, but improved that to 2.97 BB/9 last season. The 32-year-old still seems to have plenty left in his tank.

Finding a veteran reliever who is comfortable in their role, provides consistent performance, and has pitched in the pressures of a pennant race is not easy. I would imagine the Dodgers try to bring Báez back on a short-term deal.

Enrique Hernandez, Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Predicting 2021 Dodgers Free Agents: Kiké Hernandez

Prediction: Signs with a new team

It would be tough to see Kiké Hernandez walk this offseason, but the young infielder will probably look to find a more permanent role somewhere else as it becomes more difficult for him to find at-bats in the Dodgers lineup.

With the emergence of Gavin Lux and the addition of Mookie Betts, it’s difficult to identify obvious positions where Hernandez would find playing time. Of course, if Lux falters or Betts leaves in free agency, that opens the door for Hernandez. Perhaps an injury occurs. Anything can happen. But on face value, assuming Lux and Betts remain with the team long-term, only a bench role would remain for Hernandez.

The 28-year-old utility player has played in at least 130 games for three consecutive seasons with the Dodgers. His best season coming in 2018, splitting his time between center field and second base, when he batted .256/.336/.470 with a career-high 21 home runs and 67 RBIs.

His production dropped a bit last season, so Hernandez is hoping he can prove his long-term value during the 2020 season before hitting the open market.

Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Predicting 2021 Dodgers Free Agents: Joc Pederson

Prediction: Signs with a new team

I suppose I should have written this one after I wrote about Mookie Betts, but with the prospect of Betts returning to the outfield on a long-term deal, it doesn’t leave a lot of room for Joc Pederson.

In an ideal world, the Dodgers will have Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger manning the outfield for years to come. They also have A.J. Pollock locked up through 2022 (he has an opt-out after 2021, but I wouldn’t count on him exercising it). That doesn’t leave a lot of at-bats for Pederson, who has proven to be a prolific hitter against righties, and whatever the opposite of that is against lefties.

If depth is a concern, team president Andrew Friedman still has Chris Taylor on the roster, along with Matt Beaty. While Pederson’s power against right-handed pitchers would be missed, there are plenty of hitters to make up for his lost production in the lineup, and certainty plenty of gloves.

The Dodgers would be wise to reinvest the money they would pay to keep Pederson into other areas on the team that are more pressing concerns.

Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Predicting 2021 Dodgers Free Agents: Mookie Betts

Prediction: Re-signs one-year bridge deal

Save the best for last. With everything going on in the game of baseball, it’s hard to believe there will be a large line of owners willing to pay Mookie Betts over $400 million next winter, as he was originally hoping to command.

It will take some time for revenues to return to normal after the coronavirus pandemic, so it might be wise for Betts to sign a one-year bridge deal that pays him a high annual value while giving him another chance to sign a mega, long-term contract in 2022.

Baseball insiders believe the pandemic could have cost Betts up to $150 million in free agency this winter. It doesn’t make sense for him to sign a long-term deal if the market is completely out of whack. And rather than searching for a new team on a one-year contract, it seems plausible the former American League MVP stays with the Dodgers, and sees where things stand in 2022.

Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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