The Los Angeles Dodgers were one of the most successful teams following the trade deadline in July. Making acquisitions like reliever Michael Kopech, utility man Tommy Edman, and starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, the Dodgers fortified their roster down the stretch.
However, the Los Angeles front office likely won’t be doing much next season around the trade deadline.
“My goal is to not buy in July,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has said this offseason. “I am setting that out there right now. My goal is to do everything we can right now to not buy in July. It is terrible.”
During the trade deadline, the prices of players are much higher than they would’ve been in the winter. While the Dodgers made some key additions last season in July, the team is hoping to fortify the roster this offseason in order to avoid any last minute trades.
The Dodgers have already made multiple signings this winter, taking arguably the best starting pitcher off the market in free agent ace Blake Snell. The Dodgers also signed outfielder Michael Conforto and reliever Blake Treinen on the eve of the Winter Meetings.
The latest signing was the long-awaited return of outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who will be returning to the Dodgers on a three-year, $66 million contract. Just two days after Christmas, Hernández posted on his Instagram story a black background with this caption: “I’m back.” After weeks of contrasting reports, Hernández finally found his way back to Los Angeles.
Now that the Dodgers secured their outfield bat in Hernández, the team will likely turn to signing another high-leverage arm in the bullpen.
While the Dodgers were linked to change-up specialist Devin Williams for several weeks, the New York Yankees snagged him. Williams was even surprised to hear he was joining the American League, because he kept being told he would be going to the Dodgers.
There is now speculation the Dodgers will pivot to free agent reliever Tanner Scott, a Friars free agent. If the Dodgers hope to be silent during the trade deadline next season, then it’s practically a guarantee more moves will be coming soon.