Shohei Ohtani is Dodgers’ obvious top offseason target, but L.A. shouldn’t stop there after another NLDS exit

In the final six 162-game seasons, the Dodgers have gained no less than 100 video games 5 instances. They’ve gotten bounced within the NLDS 3 times in that span and the one World Series identify got here within the COVID-shortened 2020 season. As such, following the grind of a 162-game season with the playoffs connected, the Dodgers are in a well-known spot after getting swept via the Diamondbacks this week.

They have a sensational regular-season crew that did not get it completed within the small samples of the postseason. 

The plan shifting foward is at all times to maintain the regular-season greatness and hope it continues throughout the World Series. Heading towards 2024, the plan will, perhaps, in particular contain Shohei Ohtani. 

When the Dodgers have been conservative final iciness, nearly overly so, it used to be assumed they have been looking to reset the luxurious tax so as to move loopy and signal Ohtani. They didn’t finally end up staying underneath the $237 million threshold, sitting round $240 million, in keeping with maximum credible estimates. Still, the Dodgers mainly print cash, particularly after they stay successful 100 video games consistent with season. They can simply have the funds for Ohtani. 

Due to the Dodgers’ financial state of affairs, the belief that Ohtani would like to stick at the west coast and that he badly needs to play for a winner, the Dodgers are the favourite to land him. Everything right here tests out. The Dodgers take advantage of sense as Ohtani’s subsequent crew. This does not imply no different crew has a possibility to signal Ohtani, but the Dodgers are the favorites. 

It can be an enormous transfer for the franchise each off and on the sphere. 

On the sphere, on the other hand, they will want greater than than simply Ohtani this offseason. But there’s an terrible lot of ability coming again. 

Let’s say, for the sake or argument, the Dodgers signal Ohtani. They’ll crew him with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman to have a three-superstar staff on offense. Will Smith shall be again in the back of the plate, as most likely will Max Muncy and his inexpensive $10 million possibility. Remember Gavin Lux? Yeah, he’s going to be again from his torn ACL. If the Dodgers do signal Ohtani, it is exhausting to peer J.D. Martinez coming again. They best have one DH spot. 

That’s a in reality great basis, offensively, regardless that. I do ponder whether the Dodgers may just use some larger bats down within the order. Platooning gamers is all smartly and excellent — and works particularly smartly within the grueling steady season! — but within the playoffs when you are pinch hitting for the again part of your order within the heart innings, it simply turns out such as you wouldn’t have a deep sufficient on a regular basis lineup. Maybe James Outman will get higher and there are others, but the purpose stays that there’s room so as to add another large bat even after hypothetically grabbing Ohtani. 

On the pitching aspect, have in mind our hypothetical Ohtani signing does not transfer the needle for 2024. He’s gone through elbow surgical treatment and would possibly not be again to pitching simply but. We have no idea what is going to occur with Clayton Kershaw, but it does appear overwhelmingly most likely that Walker Buehler is again from his Tommy John surgical treatment. 

That approach at naked minimal we will pencil in Buehler with Bobby Miller and perhaps Ryan Pepiot within the rotation. With Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin no longer again for the beginning of the 12 months after main surgical procedures and the standing of Kershaw up within the air and Julio Urías coming into unfastened company whilst on administrative depart, it could seem the Dodgers in reality want extra pitching. We may just throw teenager Emmet Sheehan and lefty Ryan Yarbrough within the combine, I assume, but at this time you are nonetheless having a look at a 2024 Opening Day rotation of Buehler-Miller-Pepiot-Sheehan-Yarbrough. 

It in reality turns out just like the Dodgers want additional assist from outdoor the group there in the event that they need to proceed regular-season dominance with the hope of breaking thru within the playoffs. 

There are at all times numerous shifting portions within the offseason. Plus, the Dodgers are very adept at the use of their organizational intensity along with getting essentially the most out of gamers with inner scouting (Jason Heyward this season is but another in a protracted line of examples right here). Still, it sort of feels obviously obvious — even simply spitballing with out doing an entire organizational breakdown — that the Dodgers wish to get after it this offseason, each in unfastened company and at the business marketplace. 

The base line is we are most likely having a look at an excessively competitive Dodgers crew this offseason. The sensible cash is on them getting Ohtani, and I’d guess moreover that they would possibly not stop there. Basically, be expecting a large number of Dodgers communicate within the coming months.