Grading Dodgers’ offseason signings and trades ahead of Opening Day

Grading Dodgers’ Free Agent Signings: Offense

Hanser Alberto: B

Alberto, who surged prior to the 2019 All-Star break for the Orioles, was brought in this past week to help thicken out the infield picture after a series of departures.

Surprisingly, he has an option involved for 2023, too. A grip-it-and-rip-it guy with minimal power, there’s still probably something to be unlocked in his fearsome swing. Docked a half-point here for bringing about the end of Matt Beaty’s Dodgers tenure, unfortunately.

Kevin Pillar: A-

A minor-league deal only, but you should anticipate Pillar suiting up for the Dodgers on Opening Day, most likely. Expect a reliever to be cleared off the 40-man roster in his wake.

At this point, Pillar’s bat may never be above-average for long stretches ever again, but he can still pick it with the best of ’em, and is a defined upgrade in the “toughness” department, too.

FREDDIE FREEMAN: A+

The Dodgers pillaging the World Champion Braves, adding a California native on an entirely manageable six-year deal, replacing their departing All-Star with an arriving All-Star? Adding a de facto captain, pushing Max Muncy into a potential Universal DH role and lengthening the lineup beyond recognition?

Not only did Andrew Friedman fit another superstar into his budget here, but he’s found the perfect future leader for whenever the time comes for Justin Turner to go off into that good night.

Freeman may be the only major, slam-dunk acquisition of the 106-win Dodgers’ offseason, but it’s difficult to fathom a more perfect fit for this current roster (unless they’d traded for Matt Olson … kidding, kidding).

Now, go and add a pitcher at the deadline so we can re-grade everything! That’ll make for a fuller picture.

3 Dodgers who’ll be hurt by MLB banning the shift in 2023

These 3 Los Angeles Dodgers players will see a downgrade in their statistics once MLB bans the shift for the 2023 season. Maybe that changes free agency?