Dodgers Dugout: Which Free Agents Should the Dodgers Bring Back? The Controversial Calls That Could Make or Break 2024
The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering another offseason with a familiar mix of high expectations and tough decisions. After a disappointing exit in the playoffs, the front office must now evaluate its roster, with several key players hitting free agency. The burning question is: which of these free agents should the Dodgers bring back? Opinions are divided, and the choices made could determine whether the team remains a perennial contender or falls short of championship aspirations.
1. J.D. Martinez: The Power Bat Dilemma
J.D. Martinez’s one-year deal with the Dodgers turned out to be a steal, as the veteran slugger posted impressive numbers with 33 home runs and a .937 OPS. But at 37 years old, can the Dodgers afford to bet on another season of elite production from the aging designated hitter? There’s no question that Martinez was a vital offensive force in the lineup, but his presence limits roster flexibility, especially with young players like Michael Busch and Miguel Vargas knocking on the door for playing time.
The Controversy: Bringing back Martinez could mean doubling down on a veteran core that’s shown signs of wear in October. Critics argue that it’s time for the Dodgers to get younger and more athletic, while proponents say a proven bat like Martinez is crucial for another World Series push. Wouldn’t the money be better spent on a more versatile player, especially with Shohei Ohtani rumored to be a target? Signing both would clog the DH spot, creating a logjam that might come back to bite the Dodgers in the postseason.
2. Clayton Kershaw: The Legend vs. Reality Check
Clayton Kershaw is not just a free agent; he’s a franchise icon. Every offseason, the question looms: is this the end of the road for Kershaw in Dodger blue? Despite battling injuries, he posted a solid 2023 season with a 2.72 ERA, albeit in a limited role. The sentimental choice is to bring him back, possibly on a team-friendly one-year deal, but is that the best baseball decision?
The Controversy: Let’s face it—the Dodgers have been guilty of being too sentimental with their legends. While Kershaw’s legacy is untouchable, his postseason struggles continue to haunt the Dodgers. Some fans argue it’s time to cut ties and allocate resources to younger arms, especially with a potential blockbuster signing of Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the horizon. Does the team owe it to Kershaw to let him retire on his own terms, or should they make the cold, calculated decision to move on?
3. Amed Rosario: The Infield Insurance Debate
Amed Rosario’s midseason acquisition provided a spark for the Dodgers’ infield, and his versatility proved valuable. However, with Gavin Lux set to return from injury and Miguel Rojas still under contract, there’s an argument to be made that Rosario is expendable.
The Controversy: Rosario’s supporters point to his clutch hitting and solid defense as reasons to re-sign him, especially given the uncertainties around Lux’s recovery. Critics, however, question if paying a premium for a utility infielder is wise, particularly with the free-agent market flush with high-end talent like Tim Anderson or potentially trading for a superstar shortstop. Could the money spent on Rosario be better invested in a bigger splash?
4. Joe Kelly and Blake Treinen: The Bullpen Gamble
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been both a strength and a source of frustration. Joe Kelly and Blake Treinen are now free agents, and both come with their own set of pros and cons. Kelly, with his fiery personality, quickly became a fan favorite again, while Treinen, despite dealing with injuries, has shown flashes of dominance when healthy.
The Controversy: This is where the debate heats up. The Dodgers’ bullpen imploded in key moments last season, yet committing to aging relievers with injury histories seems like a recipe for disaster. Some fans are clamoring for the team to bring back both pitchers to stabilize the bullpen, while others argue that it’s time to turn the page and invest in younger, more reliable arms. Re-signing Kelly and Treinen feels like a band-aid solution—wouldn’t it be smarter to chase after top-tier relievers like Josh Hader instead?
5. Jason Heyward: The Surprising Comeback Story
Jason Heyward was one of the pleasant surprises for the Dodgers in 2023, turning a minor league deal into a resurgence at the plate and in the outfield. The veteran brought leadership and a left-handed bat that the Dodgers desperately needed. But can he replicate that success, or was it just a fluke?
The Controversy: Nostalgia is a powerful drug, and it’s easy to get caught up in the feel-good story of Heyward’s comeback. But at what point does loyalty hinder progress? Bringing Heyward back on a one-year deal sounds good on paper, but what if it blocks a younger player like James Outman or Johnny DeLuca from getting valuable at-bats? Should the Dodgers really invest in a 34-year-old outfielder when they could target a higher-upside player like Teoscar Hernández?
6. Lance Lynn: The Innings-Eater Gamble
Acquired at the trade deadline, Lance Lynn had a roller-coaster stint with the Dodgers. On one hand, he provided much-needed innings in a rotation decimated by injuries. On the other hand, his tendency to give up home runs in bunches was a glaring issue. The Dodgers could use Lynn as a back-end starter, but should they?
The Controversy: The case for Lynn comes down to durability vs. effectiveness. The Dodgers need innings, but they also need quality. Is bringing back Lynn at a discount a savvy move, or should the team instead focus on younger, higher-upside options like exploring trades for Corbin Burnes or Dylan Cease? Critics argue that re-signing Lynn would be a classic example of the team settling for mediocrity.
The Bigger Picture: A Fork in the Road
The Dodgers are at a crossroads. They can either double down on a veteran-heavy roster in hopes of one last run with this core, or they can pivot towards a younger, more dynamic approach. Fans are divided, and the decisions this offseason will reverberate for years to come.
What’s clear is that simply bringing back the familiar faces won’t cut it. If the Dodgers want to get over the hump and win another World Series, they must be willing to make bold moves—even if it means saying goodbye to some beloved players.
So, which free agents should the Dodgers bring back? Should they stick with the devil they know or venture into uncharted waters? The only certainty is that whatever decision they make, it’s bound to stir up controversy among the loyal Dodgers faithful.
One thing’s for sure: this offseason will be anything but boring.
What do you think? Should the Dodgers stay loyal to their veteran free agents, or is it time for a drastic overhaul? Let the debate begin.
