Dodgers Rumors: 4 player opt-outs that can change free agency for LA

3. Xander Bogaerts

Dodgers fans … whether you think so or not, Trea Turner is not a lock to return to LA. Forget about the “reports” about him preferring an east coast team or one that holds spring training in Florida. Turner is about to be the most valuable shortstop in free agency alongside Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson and likely Xander Bogaerts. This is a prime opportunity to collect every last penny.

In the event he does leave (though we’re hoping he doesn’t!), Bogaerts immediately comes to mind as an option that could be of interest to LA. He can opt into the final three years and $60 million of his deal with the Red Sox, but given the way the organization has treated him when it comes to extension talks as well as the comments he’s made about it, fans don’t see that happening.

Plus, many would venture to say he’s worth more than $20 million per season. He’ll also be entering his age-30 campaign with one, big final payday ahead of him. He won’t command as much as Turner or potentially Swanson (who’s the superior defender out of everyone), so the Dodgers could get a high-profile, household option for cheaper. Not only that, but say the Dodgers want to move Gavin Lux to shortstop full-time, they could perhaps discuss second base with Bogaerts, who might be open to the idea if he’s joining a steadfast contender that pays its star players accordingly.

Are we endorsing this? Not exactly. But Bogaerts is a former teammate of Mookie Betts and could fill what ends up being a massive vacancy in the middle infield if (when) he opts out. Just sayin’.

2. Justin Verlander

Is Justin Verlander ever going to decline (again)? Before he hit the IL with a calf issue, the right-hander was absolutely carving with these numbers: 16-3, 1.84 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 208 ERA+, 2.72 FIP, and 154 strikeouts in 24 starts (152 innings) … in his FIRST season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

The 39-year-old is pitching like his vintage, MVP self, and it’s hard to believe he’ll opt into his $25 million player option for 2023. At this point, someone might give him a Max Scherzer-esque multi-year contract that pays him $35 million or more. Wouldn’t you?

If Kershaw leaves, this might be the best veteran replacement who has the requisite postseason/spotlight experience, since Verlander’s been to four World Series and has won an MVP, two Cy Youngs and Rookie of the Year. Turns out he’s getting better with age and might win another Cy Young in 2022.

Whatever the price, the Dodgers might not even care because it won’t be a deal in excess of three seasons, which still aligns with Betts’, Chris Taylor’s and Freddie Freeman’s tenures in LA. Though Verlander was on the 2017 cheating Astros squad, it’s hard to imagine Dodgers fans not welcoming one of the best pitchers in history with open arms.

1. Jacob deGrom

This would be … insane. Likely? No. Mets owner Steve Cohen is probably going to back up a dump truck full of cash into Jacob deGrom’s living room if the right-hander opts out. He has the resources to do so.

But you never know.

The 34-year-old is under a bargain deal thanks to the previous Mets regime and may want to truly explore free agency for the first time in his career when he opts out (many insiders believe he will because somebody will give him more).

Despite injury troubles the last two years, DeGrom has a sub 2.00 ERA and 0.55 WHIP in his last 20 starts. The Mets could be barreling toward something special this year, which will further increase deGrom’s value if he strings together some dominant postseason outings.

Does he have any reason to be overly loyal to the Mets, who, up until this year, have largely failed to give him run support from 2014-2021? Max Scherzer left LA to go to the Mets. Why wouldn’t deGrom leave the Mets to go to LA for the money and championship pedigree?

We’re not just making this up, either. This week, SNY’s Andy Martino reported that deGrom “could tempt another team to offer a contract above what the Mets consider rational.” Are the Dodgers willing to be irrational? They kind of were with Trevor Bauer! Why wouldn’t they be with one of the most dominant pitchers in history?

The Dodgers have made themselves extremely financially flexible for the foreseeable future, so they could afford to go a little wild in a deGrom pursuit. And that could change everything for their free agency plans, since the starting pitching market was expected to be weak prior to these player opt-outs coming into focus.

Pitchers the Dodgers could sign to replace injured Walker Buehler in 2023

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without Walker Buehler in 2023 after he underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. Thus, reinforcements may be on the way.