3 intriguing non-tendered free agents the Dodgers could sign

2. Jeimer Candelario

If the Los Angeles Dodgers do not re-sign Justin Turner, then they are going to be in the market for an infielder, even if Michael Busch is slated to make his big-league debut to start next season. There are several options for the Dodgers to consider with these qualifiers and Jeimer Candelario makes the most sense.

There are bigger names that are available such as Dominic Smith and Luke Voit, both of whom are very promising power-hitting bats when they are at their best. The problem is that both guys are pretty much limited to first base (Smith has played outfield, but is poor at it).

Candelario can also play third base, which would be very beneficial for the team’s depth. He would not be an everyday starting player, but because of his versatility to play on either side of the infield, and the fact that he is a switch hitter, he could get decent playing time.

At the very least, Candelario is someone who has produced against left-handed pitching in his career, which is something the Dodgers need, considering they’re currently comprised of several left-handed bats and reverse-split righties.

There is potential for the 29-year-old to produce at a higher level, though. He had a down season in 2022, but put together two really promising seasons in 2020 and 2021 that put him on the map.

In 201 games split between those two seasons, Candelario slashed .278/.356/.458 with 23 home runs, 96 RBI and 53 doubles. In a much more talented lineup where he will be protected, the Dodgers could see that production return to Candelario’s bat.