5 Dodgers facing uncertain futures heading into 2023 season

Just like the last few years, the Los Angeles Dodgers' roster heading into the season is subject to significant turnover come November. While it seems insane to think that far ahead, it's hard not to when -- once again -- so many players integral to the team's culture and success could be gone in eight months.

Two offseasons ago, it was Joc Pederson and Kiké Hernandez. Last offseason, it was Corey Seager and Kenley Jansen. This past offseason it was Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger and Trea Turner. When will it end?!

Certainly not heading into 2024. The Dodgers stand to lose multiple key figures in their bullpen and starting rotation, as well as one of their most valuable sluggers over the last handful of years. Some are free agents, some have team options.

Either way, their futures are just as unclear (if not more) than the departed Dodgers that came before them.

5 Dodgers facing uncertain futures heading into 2023 season

Daniel Hudson

Hudson will have prove a lot in 2023 if he wants to remain on the team next year. The right-hander tore his ACL after 24.1 innings of work last year, but shortly after the injury, the Dodgers opted to guarantee his $6.5 million team option for this season and then tack on another $6.5 million team option for 2024.

But Hudson's year isn't off to a great start. In his rehab from ACL surgery, Hudson's timeline was further delayed due to ankle tendinitis, and he's not expected to be ready for Opening Day. If he lags in his return to get back on track, the Dodgers might already have their mind made up for 2024, especially after all the mistakes they've made in recent years with relievers rehabbing from injury.

Max Muncy

Yup, another one of these! Except Muncy wasn't injured as severely as Hudson and Treinen. He suffered a partially-torn UCL at the tail end of 2021 and that hampered his ability to produce in 2022 (136 games). The Dodgers, in their view of "capitalizing", guaranteed Muncy's team option for 2023 ($13.5 million) and tacked on another for 2024 ($10 million) to try and save themselves some money.

Time will tell, however. Muncy picked it up in August and September to make his overall numbers a tad more respectable, which is a promising sign for 2023. He also mentioned that his swing mechanics are back on track after his injured elbow limited his mobility and affected his mobility (thus resulting in unthinkable struggles from April-July).

Muncy will be the primary starting third baseman for LA in 2023. In 2018, 2019 and 2021, he was arguably the Dodgers' most important player. If he can return to form -- or even a semblance of that form -- LA's gamble will pay off.

If not, he might face the same fate as Turner and Bellinger, both of whom were cut loose this offseason due to streaky play or downright uninspiring output.

Julio Urías

Some fans thought the Dodgers, who opted not to immerse themselves in the top end of the free agent market this offseason, would've at least used some of that free time to sign Julio Urías to a contract extension.

But Urías is a client of Scott Boras, which makes things that much more difficult. As it stands, the left-hander will enter a contract year in 2023 after winning the ERA title in 2022 and finishing third in the NL Cy Young voting. One more campaign of that caliber is going to get him a $200+ million contract.

Urías could end up being the second-most expensive free agent (right behind Shohei Ohtani) in next year's class. If the Dodgers are serious about an Ohtani pursuit, can they afford both? If Ohtani will require a high-stakes bidding war with Mets owner Steve Cohen, will the Dodgers risk taking their eye off that prize by engaging in another competitive market for Urías?

Urías is not taking a discount. And even if he has a subpar season, Boras will more than likely do his best to take the left-hander elsewhere for a sizable one-year market-reset contract like he's done with so many of his other clients.

Can't say this is a favorable situation for LA, unless the front office is willing to write multiple blank checks.

Clayton Kershaw

The one that would hurt most of all. Dodgers fans were losing their minds this past offseason when it appeared as if Kershaw might retire or sign with the Texas Rangers. When he returned, there was a collective sigh of relief that could be heard across the country.

He's on a one-year, $20 million deal for 2023. This offseason will mark the trilogy of Kershaw staring down the barrel of free agency. He insists he doesn't know what his future holds. He's expressed a desire to spend more time with family and be closer to home (which explains the link to the Rangers), but has also indicated there's unfinished business left with the Dodgers.

The three scenarios are re-sign with Dodgers, sign with Rangers, or hang up the cleats. The uncertainty might be the most detailed of the bunch, but it's also the most murky because it'll have nothing to do with Kerhsaw's performance.

It'll be up to how he's feeling mentally and/or physically after his 16th MLB season comes to a conclusion. So, please, savor every Kershaw moment this upcoming year, OK?