This week's mailbag delves into the Dodgers' rotation for 2025, the likelihood of Cody Bellinger opting out, the Cardinals' reset, the Yankees' infield, and much more.
Ben asks:
I'm curious as to how you expect the Dodgers to address their rotation this offseason. The team is laden with talented starters, yet the number of injuries is astounding. Do you expect the team to continue adopting a high-risk, high-reward approach? Will we see them sign a low upside inning-eater or two as insurance? How likely is a reunion with Buehler, and what might the season-opening rotation look like?
When I consider Yoshinobu Yamamoto, I wouldn't say he had a higher injury risk than any other top starter the Dodgers could've gotten. Nor was Trevor Bauer high-risk, healthwise. Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir, and Rich Hill were high injury risk three or four-year deals, but those were eight to ten years ago.
Otherwise, Andrew Friedman has generally gone for one-year starting pitcher deals in free agency: James Paxton, Noah Syndergaard, Tyler Anderson, and Andrew Heaney in recent years. Trade pickups have included Alex Wood, Max Scherzer, and Tyler Glasnow.
I don't know that I see a pattern there, other than eschewing long-term free agent deals for less youthful pitchers. For example, if Max Fried is going to sign for five or six years, I don't expect the Dodgers to do that. Innings eaters have not really been Friedman's thing, with the possible exception of Tyler Anderson coming off a 167-inning campaign.
You could argue that Buehler would be Friedman's type if he was coming from another team. But the Dodgers had all year to try to get him on track this year and failed to do so, so my guess is that they will not re-sign him.
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norcalblue
Tim, your “take” on Friedman and his thinking seems both fair and accurate. Lots of options; but, for the reasons you articulate, I do not see the Dodgers in play for Fried, Burnes, Cole, Snell or Flaherty if they get the number of years their agents will be seeking. I do disagree with your take on Buehler. He sees the value in a one year pillow contract similar to what Teoscar received. Unless Walker really excels in the postseason his market is not going to be very robust and the mutual interest each side seems to have for the other suggests to me he lands back with the Dodgers on a one-year deal.
mlb fan
“Market is not going to be very robust”…Buehler’s best option is clearly returning to the Dodgers.
That’s where he made his name and that’s where his best chance of regaining his form rests. And as you already mentioned, his market is surely not going to be that robust.
THEY LIVE!!!
Ben asks
How likely is a reunion with Buehler, and what might the season-opening rotation look like?
Then not a word about Buehler…
Nevermind
I see you said you doubt they re-sign him.
I disagree. If he does well in the post-season they bring him back.