The Dodgers aren’t done yet. Fresh off signing South Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim to a $22 million deal, the defending World Series champs still have some major moves to make this offseason.
Kim, just 25, brings elite speed and defense to LA, though his power numbers aren’t eye-popping. He joins an impressive list of recent Dodger pickups including two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell and outfielder Michael Conforto.
The team has also kept slugger Teoscar Hernández and closer Blake Treinen in Dodger blue.
But there’s still work to be done. Here’s what’s left on LA’s shopping list:
Landing Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki tops the agenda. At just 23, he’s widely considered the best pitcher not already in MLB, with a devastating fastball-splitter combo that’s had Japanese league hitters looking silly. His 2.02 career ERA speaks for itself.
Because of MLB’s rules, Sasaki counts as an amateur free agent – meaning he’ll be an absolute bargain for whoever signs him. He’s waiting until January 15th when bonus pools reset to maximize his payday.
Then there’s the Clayton Kershaw situation. The longtime Dodger ace, now 36, wants to pitch in 2024 despite having surgery on both his toe and knee last season. He’s already called himself a “Dodger for life,” so it seems like just a matter of time before he’s back in LA.
“Mentally, I feel great,” Kershaw said back in October. “My shoulder and elbow, everything feels great.”
The bullpen needs some attention too. Besides bringing back Treinen, the Dodgers haven’t added any relievers this winter. They’ve been linked to top free agent lefty Tanner Scott, though nothing’s materialized yet.
Finally, there’s a logjam of backup infielders to sort out. With Kim joining Chris Taylor and Miguel Rojas, something’s gotta give. Taylor’s coming off a rough year and is owed $17 million, while Rojas had his best offensive season but only makes $5 million.
The Dodgers say they’re not rushing to trade anyone, but they’ll likely make a move before Opening Day. For a team trying to become MLB’s first repeat champs in over 20 years, every roster spot matters.
