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3 former Dodgers players LA can still reunite with in free agency
The Los Angeles Dodgers shouldn't be done yet this offseason. The Noah Syndergaard deal seemingly rounded out the rotation, but don't forget the jury's still out on Dustin May, in addition to there being health issues with him, Clayton Kershaw and Tony Gonsolin.
As for the bullpen, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said he's pleased with what the team has but ... come on. The fans aren't. Something else needs to happen on that front, whether big or moderate.
And then you have the lineup. Most fans have surrendered to the idea that a high-profile signing won't be on the way. Some understand that reality, others are frustrated by it. Either way, there are a few more voids to address, whether the front office wants to focus on starting roles or general depth (which was already a problem in 2022).
If the Dodgers are done at this moment, then we'll see you in 2024 with the hopes of Shohei Ohtani and somebody else arriving. If not, there are a few former Dodgers out there who could help the current roster to varying degrees. Maybe a semblance of continuity after parting with key clubhouse guys like Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger could improve morale, too.
3 former Dodgers players Los Angeles can still target in free agency
3. Nathan Eovaldi
This seemed like a much more realistic possibility at last year's trade deadline, or even earlier this offseason, but now we're not sure. The Dodgers adding Syndergaard changes things a bit.
Nathan Eovaldi is up for grabs, but has the draft pick compensation attached to him after he rejected the qualifying offer from the Boston Red Sox. Is there a chance the Dodgers look in the mirror and realize what they have at the moment -- even with help coming from their top prospects -- isn't going to be enough, and decide giving Eovaldi a multi-year deal while surrendering a draft pick is worth it? Sure. Is it likely? Not really.
Nonetheless, Eovaldi would be a worthwhile addition to the Dodgers rotation for 2023 and beyond. The futures of Kershaw and Julio Urías are unclear. Syndergaard is only on a one-year deal. May might not even be a starter. If Ohtani really is the goal next offseason, the maybe securing Eovaldi on a three-year deal might be a prudent move insurance-wise.
2. AJ Pollock
The Dodgers need a left fielder. They badly missed AJ Pollock in 2022 after trading him to the Chicago White Sox for Craig Kimbrel. After opting out of his deal and collecting a $5 million buyout, Pollock is a free agent.
But would he be willing to return to LA after they sent him packing to play for the disappointing White Sox, who endured one of the most brutal seasons in MLB, from an expectations standpoint? After a down year, Pollock may not be selective with his choices.
He may not get full-time starter reps in LA if there's a desire to give more reps to Trayce Thompson and James Outman, but that wouldn't necessarily be a big deal. During his tenure in LA, Pollock played in 258 out of a total 384 games due to injuries. Now, heading into his age-35 season, he might be better suited for a role off the bench, where he still sees 100+ games while providing pop and energy.
He's probably not expected to get anything in excess of a two-year deal, which would allow the Dodgers to better prop up the roster in 2023 without taking on a financial burden. Pollock's still got a little left in the tank, and it'd be smart for the Dodgers to take advantage of that after he really came through for them in 2021.
1. Rich Hill
If the Dodgers don't want to spend Eovaldi money on another starter because they feel comfortable with the current five (plus the additional prospects they have), then former Dodger Rich Hill could be the answer.
Hill, heading into his age-43 season, just logged 26 solid starts with the Red Sox. He's still got it. But, at best, he seems to be a spot starter. He averaged just about 4.2 innings per outing in 2022 and missed time due to a sprained knee. After all, Hill's only logged 30 or more starts in a single season just twice since debuting in 2005.
Might the Dodgers bring him in as their roving sixth guy to give a starter of their choice a breather? Could Hill be the first guy out of the bullpen ready to pitch 3-5 innings depending on the situation? There's a ton of value in either of those roles, especially as the Dodgers look to preserve their arms and eat as many innings possible before October.
Additionally, Hill's best years as a starter came in LA, where he went 30-16 with a 3.16 ERA, 3.71 FIP, 1.08 WHIP and 427 strikeouts in 69 games (68 starts), totaling 361.1 innings. The pairing worked out well from 2016-2019.
Round 2 might be a little bit different, but it'll aid the Dodgers tremendously while preserving Hill as he appraoches his mid-40s.