This story was excerpted from Juan Toribio’s Dodgers Beat publication. To learn the total publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it commonly in your inbox.
LOS ANGELES — With the Dodgers beginning the season with two video games towards the Padres in Seoul, South Korea, they’re set to reach at Camelback Ranch in nearly a month so as to put together for the now much-anticipated 2024 season.
Earlier than that occurs, nevertheless, we’ll take an in-depth, position-by-position have a look at the Dodgers and the way they’ll look in ‘24. As a result of there are acquisitions left to be made, we’ll begin with the place that appears to be essentially the most set: Catcher.
Smith has been among the best catchers within the sport for just a few seasons, however the 28-year-old was lastly named an All-Star in ‘23. But it surely was a story of two halves for Smith, who stepped into the three-hole within the lineup and picked up proper the place Trea Turnerleft off in ‘22.
Within the first half of the season, at the same time as he battled a scary concussion state of affairs, Smith hit 13 homers and posted a .890 OPS, which was among the many finest on the place. Within the second half, nevertheless, he handled a lingering rib harm, and his offensive numbers took a dive. He hit six homers over his final 60 video games and struck out 50 instances throughout that span. That powerful second half in the end harm his total numbers, however there’s no denying the impression he has on the Dodgers.
When Smith is true on the plate, the Dodgers’ offense shall be powerful to cease. He’ll seemingly slot into the cleanup or No. 5 spot behind Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani and, at instances, Max Muncy. Tasked with making different groups pay for doubtlessly pitching across the three stars, he’ll look to show, as soon as once more, that he’s greater than able to doing simply that.
Barnes has by no means been recognized for his offensive sport, nevertheless it was nonetheless a forgettable season on the plate for the veteran, who recorded simply 32 hits over 178 at bats in ‘23. If there was a silver lining, nevertheless, it’s that his offensive numbers have been a lot better within the second half.
However as has at all times been the case, Barnes’ most important function on the roster, particularly with the added offensive firepower, is to be good behind the plate and assist the pitching workers attain its potential each time Smith wants a blow. Even with a few of his profession offensive struggles, Barnes has worth at his place.
If Smith or Barnes goes down with an harm, Feduccia is poised to be the following man up. Final season, when Smith missed time with a concussion, the Dodgers struggled to exchange his manufacturing and leaned on journeyman Austin Wynns to fill in on quick discover.
This season the Dodgers ought to have extra Main League-ready catchers able to step up. Feduccia had a really sturdy Spring Coaching final yr and carried that into the season with Triple-A Oklahoma Metropolis. The 26-year-old hit 11 homers and posted a .838 OPS, the very best of any season in his Minor League profession. If he continues to hit at that clip, he’ll push the Dodgers to decide in some unspecified time in the future within the season.
The opposite three prospects — Speeding, Cartaya and Liranzo — are nonetheless a methods away from making an impression within the Majors. Cartaya went into the ‘23 season as the highest prospect within the group, however he had a dreadful yr on the plate, and issues along with his again have quieted his hype. Speeding had the exact opposite expertise, mashing at each degree since being drafted out of Louisville in ’22, however he additionally handled some scary concussion signs that affected a few of his efficiency on the plate. After which there’s Liranzo, who seemingly got here out of nowhere final season and established himself as a very good prospect. The 20-year-old hit 24 homers and posted a .962 OPS in 94 video games at Low-A Rancho Cucamonga.
