Will The Dodgers Exercise the Contract Options of 6 Players?
The Los Angeles Dodgers hold contract options for the 2024 season on six players, and they need to make decisions on them shortly after the World Series ends early in November.
Chances are high that the club won't bring each player back, but there are certainly arguments to be made for a few.
Here's a look at that list along with some thoughts on each player.
· Lance Lynn has an $18 million club option with a $1 million buyout. At 36, Lynn has seen his best days. While the Dodgers need starting pitching badly, they can find a better pitcher at a cheaper price. Or they will use that money on one of the higher end options available on the free agent market this winter.
· Max Muncy has a $10 million option which climbed to $14 million due to performance bonuses based on games played in 2023. While he isn’t an elite defensive third baseman, he is an incredible offensive player. The Dodgers don’t have a DH unless they re-sign J.D. Martinez or give an enormous deal with Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers shouldn’t let Muncy go.
· Joe Kelly has a $9.5 million option. He's pitching better than ever in terms of pure stuff. He is 35 and has proven prone to injury, but the Dodgers need a great bullpen to be competitive. They should bring back Kelly.
· The Dodgers have a $7 million club option on Blake Treinen. Unless they know Treinen is healthy, they shouldn’t bring back him. He may be brought back on a cheaper deal.
· The Dodgers have a $6.5 million club option on Daniel Hudson for next season The veteran reliever will by 37 opening day and has pitched just 28 games over the last two seasons thanks to two knee injuries. He should retire.
· Alex Reyes never pitched for the Dodgers after signing a one year deal with a $3 million option for 2024. He had a second major shoulder operation in June. The Dodgers shouldn’t pick up Reyes’ option when he couldn’t pitch at all in 2023.
The Dodgers have an entire roster to evaluate and rebuild for the 2024 season.
