Dodgers Reportedly Interested in Adding Bullpen Help Via Free Agency
Make no mistake about it...the Dodgers are motivated to build not only a team good enough to win the World Series in 2024 but one that could be dynastic moving forward.
Pitching in general has been a point of emphasis. With the moves already made this offseason, the grouping of starting pitchers has been enhanced. We'd guess it'll be further improved with potential acquisitions of other starters (which could include bringing back Clayton Kershaw).
While a few other tweaks can be made to the lineup, a big focus moving forward appears to be in the bullpen.
Analyst Robert Murray of Fansided offered this intriguing piece of information Thursday evening. The Dodgers, along with a host of other clubs, appear primed to seek relief pitching help in the free-agent market:
"In the words of one source, the bullpen market includes “d*mn near everyone.” Among those teams, sources say, include the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs."
While there weren't any names specifically mentioned, one big fish has been reportedly connected to the Dodgers time and time again throughout the offseason.
We're talking about All-Star closer Josh Hader.
The 29-year-old boasts what many believe to be a Hall of Fame resume. He's made five All-Star appearances and has been named the NL Reliever of the Year on three separate occasions.
Hader had a minuscule 1.28 ERA last year in San Diego. He saved 33 games and struck out 85 hitters in only 56.1 innings pitched. While much has been made about his unwillingness to pitch more than one inning, Hader is still an elite reliever with plus stuff and experience in closing games.
The Dodgers don't have a natural closer on the roster at this point. Evan Phillips has done a great job in filling that role for the club. However, LA would love to slot him as a high-leverage set-up man alongside flamethrower Brusdar Graterol.
The fit with Hader is a great one. He'd slot in right away as the team's unquestioned closer. He has postseason experience, and he'd help further balance out the very right-handed heavy bullpen.
The thought of having to face a bullpen in a playoff series featuring Hader, Phillips, Graterol, Joe Kelly, Caleb Ferguson, and Blake Treinen is not fun. Not to mention, there's also the possibility Dustin May will come back into the fold as a reliever once fully healthy. Homegrown players such as Nick Frasso, Landon Knack, Kyle Hurt, and Emmet Sheehan may also factor into things.
If not Hader, the Dodgers have also been linked to Cleveland Guardians' closer Emmanuel Clase. Re-signing Ryan Brasier also might be a move worth looking into. Other potentials may include Matt Moore and Aroldis Chapman.
