After a franchise-record 111 wins in the 2022 regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers failed to make it back to the World Series this past October. Last season was a disappointing one, for a number of reasons. Besides the fact that Los Angeles could not make the most out of its current core in 2022, the Dodgers were set to lose several key pieces of its roster in free agency this winter. With that considered, here’s a look at how the Dodgers’ offseason shook out.
Related: 2022-23 MLB Offseason Recap: Milwaukee Brewers
Notable Additions
- RHP J.P. Feyereisen
- DH J.D. Martinez
- RHP Shelby Miller
- SS Miguel Rojas
- RHP Noah Syndergaard
The most notable addition to the Dodgers for 2023 is right-handed slugger J.D. Martinez. Martinez had a down season for the Red Sox in 2022, but still cracked 60 extra base hits and hit .319 against left-handed pitchers last season. The signing of Martinez gives the Dodgers a solid DH that should provide some added punch to an already strong Dodgers lineup.
In addition to Martinez, Los Angeles signed former All-Star Noah Syndergaard. Syndergaard stayed healthy last season, something that eluded “Thor” over the past few years. However, Syndergaard’s velocity was down in 2022. Also, LA acquired shortstop Miguel Rojas from Miami. It marks a return to Los Angeles for Rojas, as the veteran infielder started his MLB career with the Dodgers in 2014. The 33-year-old, though, will need to fill some big shoes this upcoming season.
Notable Subtractions
- LHP Tyler Anderson
- OF Cody Bellinger
- OF Joey Gallo
- LHP Andrew Heaney
- RHP Craig Kimbrel
- RHP Chris Martin
- 3B Justin Turner
- SS Trea Turner
It’s hard to believe that a team can lose two of the best shortstops in the league in the span of twelve months. Yet, that happened to the Dodgers. A year after losing power-hitting shortstop Corey Seager, 2022 NL Silver Slugger winner Trea Turner inked a massive 10-year deal with the Phillies. It’s a tough blow for the Dodgers, as Turner drove in 100 runs for LA last season and was arguably the best offensive force at the position last season.
In addition to Trea, the Dodgers lost long-time veteran infielder Justin Turner, as well as starters Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney in free agency. Former NL MVP and new Chicago Cub Cody Bellinger was non-tendered by the Dodgers, as well.
A Recap
This winter marked quite the departure from the Dodgers’ traditional way of doing business. Los Angeles has never shied away from the big fish in free agency, and the 2021-22 offseason is proof of that. The Dodgers signed star first baseman Freddie Freeman to a six-year, $162 million deal this past March. But, Los Angeles opted not to go after a replacement for Trea Turner, and didn’t commit to any long-term deals.
The Dodgers have been rumored to be interested in pursuing Shohei Ohtani after the 2023 season, and that may be a reason for the Dodgers’ conservative approach. As of now, the Dodgers are just below the luxury tax threshold. If Los Angeles can stay below that this season, it will reset future penalties under the MLB’s luxury tax system and give the Dodgers the ability to spend more next winter.
But before any of that can occur, the focus is on 2023. Even though the Dodgers didn’t have an extravagant offseason, Los Angeles is set to be one of the game’s elite teams yet again.
