Dodgers Linked To Possible Deals

Bobby Ilich
Updated
Los Angeles will become more serious in trade and free-agent talks in the coming days.

With baseball's winter meetings coming to a close, the Los Angeles Dodgers and their large brain trust are expected to become more active as they look to bolster their roster after reaching the National League Championship Series.

Several players may be available in a trade due to a rather thin free-agent class. Re-signing free-agent third baseman Justin Turner, who is coming off his first 150-game season, is considered a top priority for president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.

There is a large group of quality replacements if Turner moves on. Todd Frazier (Chicago White Sox), Ian Kinsler (Detroit Tigers), Yangervis Solarte (San Diego Padres) and Mike Moustakas (Kansas City Royals) have all been linked to Los Angeles.

But the Dodgers also need a second baseman after trading Howie Kendrick, and they could significantly upgrade the position by making a deal for Brian Dozier of the Minnesota Twins. There's also the St. Louis Cardinals' Jedd Gyorko, a utility player who is probably most comfortable at second.

Dozier is a highly attractive option considering he has two more seasons remaining on his contract at $6 million in 2017 and $9 million in 2018. Because of his relatively inexpensive contract, Dozier is considered one of the best bargains in baseball and would therefore command top prospects. The 29-year-old hit 42 home runs and 35 doubles to go along with 99 RBI in what was clearly the best season of his five-year career.

One player the Dodgers won't be acquiring is Wade Davis. The closer was traded from the Royals to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Jorge Soler on Wednesday. Davis was considered a backup plan in case the Dodgers can't re-sign Kenley Jansen, but the Dodgers reportedly have interest in Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman, whom they nearly acquired last year.

The Dodgers have plenty of talent in the farm system to complete a deal but are lacking in a superstar prospect like left-handed phenom Julio Urias, who is considered untouchable.

In Baseball America's 2016 midseason Top 100 prospects, the Dodgers had several players crack the list, but not until No. 24 with 21-year-old first baseman Cody Bellinger and at No. 25 with right-hander Jose De Leon, who had four starts in the majors. Others include outfielder Alex Verdugo (No. 44) and second baseman Willie Calhoun (No. 98). The Dodgers also have right-hander Yadier Alvarez, a promising 20-year-old from Cuba who pitched 59.1 innings in Single-A.