The 2021-2022 Hot Stove season is heating up for other teams, but not so much for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
After signing Andrew Heaney to a one year, $8M deal, not much else has been happening for the Dodgers as far as free agent signings.
As a team, L.A. has quite a few free agents that most fans would like for them to re-sign. At the top of most fans’ wish lists would be for them to welcome back Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager.
President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman was on MLB Network on Wednesday, where he stated that the Dodgers are being aggressive in regards to bringing back Seager.
If the Dodgers are successful in re-signing the shortstop, they will have to figure out what to do with Trea Turner. Turner was amenable to moving to second base to help the team after his trade from the Washington Nationals, but he may balk at staying there the whole next season.
Some have suggested that the Dodgers use Trea as a trade piece, possibly to a team like the Cincinnati Reds for some of their stellar pitching arms.
Also in an interview on MLB Network, Texas Rangers’ manager Chris Woodward said that the team has been in contact with Kershaw, and are interested in bringing him to Arlington.
I know we’ve been in contact with him. … Kersh and I are obviously really good friends. We believe in the same things as far as how to play the game; how to prepare. I’ve been honored to be around him for the three years I was in L.A. If he wants to come back to Texas, I’m pretty sure we’re gonna welcome him here. It’s home for him. I know he’d love to take his kids to school then go pitch a game that night. But it’s up to him. He’s had a tremendous legacy. I can’t speak enough just about the man himself after watching him for three years and being around him. It’d be a tremendous asset for us, especially with a young rotation. We’ve got a ton of talent on the starting staff, but they’re all young. His leadership and his guidance—honestly, he wouldn’t have to say a word. I would just ask those guys to just watch him—watch him prepare and watch how he goes about his business—and they’re going to naturally get better.”
Kershaw has been rumored to be considering joining the Rangers at every one of this free agencies, and so far has chosen to return to the Dodgers each time. But who knows what this one will bring. Kershaw seem content to take his time on his decision, even with the looming probable MLB lockout.
Two former Dodgers did just join the Rangers, however. Both Zach Reks and Billy McKinney were traded to Texas in exchange for cash considerations. They will join other former Dodgers who are now in the Rangers organization, like Josh Sborz, Dennis Santana and DJ Peters.
Dustin May has started working out at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. The pitcher had Tommy John surgery on May 11th, and is working his way back to full health. Both May and the team are hopeful he can return to pitching sometime after the All-Star break.
Think Blue Planning Committee 