This story was excerpted from Juan Toribio’s Dodgers Beat e-newsletter. To learn the total e-newsletter, click on right here. And subscribe to get it usually in your inbox.
LOS ANGELES — Probably the most anticipated Dodgers season in fairly a while will get going subsequent weekend, after pitchers and catchers report back to Camelback Ranch by Thursday to arrange for the 2024 marketing campaign.
There will probably be lots to speak about over the following 9 months. However earlier than all of it will get began, let’s dive into one final offseason Inbox.
Any last-minute strikes they will make? Guessing for a reliever? — @akunematata by way of X
You would possibly’ve heard, however the Dodgers have had a reasonably busy winter. However I anticipate they may nonetheless add a chunk or two earlier than the beginning of the season. A reliever, particularly Ryan Brasier, makes loads of sense for either side, however the right-hander may be trying to money in on another massive deal earlier than the tip of his profession.
There appears to be a wholesome marketplace for relievers, and Brasier is without doubt one of the finest remaining. The Dodgers have proven curiosity all through his course of, however it is going to finally come all the way down to the place he desires to play. Los Angeles, in fact, has the benefit in that it helped Brasier save his profession during the last three months of the season.
The Dodgers have additionally been linked to Kenley Jansen, who could possibly be traded from Boston. That will be fairly the information, huh? There’s additionally a future Corridor of Famer nonetheless in free company by the title of Clayton Kershaw. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see when Kershaw makes his determination, given he received’t be an element on the mound till no less than after the All-Star Recreation.
What’s the way forward for Miguel Vargas now that he seems to be like he’ll begin the yr off in Triple-A? Will they develop him because the 3B of the longer term, or is he extra of a 2B/OF now? — @bluegoon82 by way of X
This can be a good query concerning Vargas. Clearly, the Cuban prospect got here into final season with loads of hype, and he was given the second-base job from the beginning. With Mookie Betts now the on a regular basis second baseman, Vargas’ path to the Majors is clearly more durable. Vargas will proceed to get reps at second and third, however he may even see a while in left subject to see how he adapts to the outfield.
Barring accidents, Vargas will certainly begin the season within the Minors, and he’ll must show final season was only a fluke on the subject of his offensive numbers. His place will get taken care of if he hits. If he doesn’t, it received’t matter.
Replace on [Blake] Treinen, Huddy [Daniel Hudson]? Is it official [Walker] Buehler received’t begin the season? Is it a setback or simply saving him? — @herem13 by way of X
Treinen and Hudson have missed loads of time over the previous two seasons, in order that they’ll have one thing to show this spring. The Dodgers are at all times going to be cautious with gamers getting back from accidents, however Treinen and Hudson might come into spring in a great spot.
As for Buehler, nothing is official till the participant or the staff totally commits to the plan, however it will be a shock if the right-hander opens the season within the rotation. Los Angeles hasn’t stated there was a setback, however Buehler hoped to contribute late final season and wasn’t in a position to. That could possibly be telling.
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