3 Dodgers who might have tough time competing for 40-man roster spot

1. David Price

Harsh, we know, but what is David Price’s role? And is he providing any value at $16 million? His decision to opt out before the 2020 season has certainly made this more of a talking point.

In 2021, Price pitched in just 73.2 innings (39 games), meaning he hardly did much of … anything? There was hope he could be a back-end starter if things came crashing down. And when they did, he averaged about 3.2 innings per outing. As a reliever, he logged a 4.18 ERA and impossible 1.76 WHIP in 28 games.

Maybe he rebounds in 2022 after a full season off, but what if he looks bad in spring training? Might the Dodgers try and gauge the trade market if they’re willing to eat some of the $16 million they owe him? If Andrew Heaney is getting nearly $9 million, we’re sure someone might take David Price for $12 million, no?

A number of bullpen options emerged in 2021 that were better than Price and there are a number of starters in the system (Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot) that could arrive sooner than expected. It’s evident the way the Dodgers felt about him after he wasn’t used in the NLDS and then didn’t make the NLCS roster (until after Joe Kelly was removed due to injury). He threw just 73.2 innings and the Dodgers pitching staff was exhausted. He had nothing to offer?

All we’re saying is don’t be shocked if Price is dealt in a salary dump trade. The Dodgers don’t need him if this is what he’ll be offering in his age-36 season and they can find similar production for much cheaper, even if another team eats half of what Price is owed.

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