As we enter the 2019 Winter Meetings this week in Las Vegas, analysts, writers, executives, and fans alike often curate their very own “wishlist” of players they’d like to see their team acquire or moves they’d like to see their team make.
A handful of us here at Dodgers-LowDown have discussed and each built our own wishlists on which players we want to see the Dodgers check in on and pursue this week, as well as a player or two we’d be willing to cut ties with in order to make a trade for another player possible.
Here are some of the wishlists we have put together, linked with each admin’s Facebook/Twitter handles in case you feel inclined to either applaud our thoughts or tear them apart:
Arrick Joel (@ArrickJoel)
Senior Writer and Editor-in-chief
Players to Land:
- Zach Britton
In hopes to improve a bullpen that certainly had it’s ups and downs in 2018, the Dodgers would be in good shape with the acquisition of this 30 year old left-handed ground-ball inducer. The left-handed slider strength of Britton would make for a devastating combo with Dodgers’ closer, Kenley Jansen, and his powerful right-handed sinker.
- JT Realmuto
Although the reported asking price of Cody Bellinger would have to decrease in order for a reasonable deal to be done, Realmuto would provide for a great bridge from the departure of Yasmani Grandal this offseason, to the readiness of the Dodgers’ star catching prospects, Keibert Ruiz and Will Smith.
Players to Shop:
- Matt Kemp
The Dodgers were to be reportedly aiming to stay below the luxury tax for the next few seasons, and trading Matt Kemp would clear a sizable amount of money from the Dodgers’ payroll. With the Dodgers’ crowded outfield and quickly approaching youth movement, this offseason may be the last season that Kemp spends as a player in the Dodgers organization.
Eric Vrsalovich (@EricVrsalovich)
President of Dodgers-LowDown
Players to Land:
- Brian Dozier
After being acquired at the trade deadline by Los Angeles, Brian Dozier became an overnight sensation for the Dodgers, coming out of the gate quick with a deal of home runs and extra base hits in his first few games. Dozier replaced Logan Forsythe at second base with Forsythe’s departure to Minnesota as part of the trade.
- JT Realmuto
The acquisition of JT Realmuto would put the Dodgers’ currently slated Opening Day catcher, Austin Barnes, in a similar position to last year with being behind Yasmani Grandal. Realmuto represented the National League in the All-Star Game this past season, and is notably one of baseball’s best active offensive catchers.
Players to Shop:
- Andrew Toles
After a season-ending injury in 2017, the breakout performance of Andrew Toles had come to an end. However, after surgery to repair the torn ACL that Toles suffered, he most certainly holds some great value that could be better utilized through trade than with the Dodgers in their extensive outfield corp.
Ian Edward Nielson (@Inielson23)
Writer/Expert for Dodgers-LowDown
Players to Land:
- Andrew Miller
One of the key pieces in the Cleveland Indians’ journey to the 2016 World Series, Andrew Miller is arguably the most dominant reliever on the free agent market this offseason. With the Dodgers’ planning to bolster their bullpen, Miller could turn out to be a heavy target for Los Angeles at the Winter Meetings this year.
- Mike Trout
While acquiring Mike Trout, a player widely recognized as the best player in the league, seems somewhat outlandish and off-the-table, Trout is nearing the end of his contract as the Angels look to build a younger approach. A trade for Trout would certainly cost the Dodgers a bundle of big league talent and prospects, the return of baseball’s best talent could make it all worth it.
Players to Shop:
- Rich Hill
As the Dodgers’ abundance of young pitchers grow and begin to become ready to make the jump to the Major League Baseball, the pitching rotation is set to go young. With pitchers like Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, Caleb Ferguson, and Dustin May all almost ready to go, the 38 year old Hill may be on the out. Hill’s trade value may never be higher than it is right now, so moving him this offseason may be the best course of action for LA.
Honorable Mentions:
- Bryce Harper
With teams such as the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals dropping out of the race for Bryce Harper, the Dodgers are without a doubt one of the front-running teams to land the former MVP. However, the Dodgers’ have been reportedly “hesitant” to meet the price that Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, is asking for the young superstar.
- DJ LeMahieu
The Dodgers have been linked to second baseman, DJ LeMahieu for the majority of the offseason as the team looks to upgrade at the position with Brian Dozier entering the free agent market. While LeMahieu is tough to consider a very strong hitter, it goes without saying just how good LeMahieu is defensively. LeMahieu may very well be the best second baseman on the market this winter.
Arrick Joel has covered the Dodgers since 2017, and for Dodgers-LowDown since 2018. Follow @ArrickJoel and @DodgersLowDown on Twitter for more.