*Photo from MLB Trade Rumors*
Up next, the Los Angeles Dodgers offseason is examined.
2019 recap:
The Dodgers had one of the best regular seasons imaginable, cruising to 106 wins and the NL west division title yet again. But none of that mattered, as the Dodgers inexplicably fell apart in the playoffs and lost the opening round to the upstart Washington Nationals, who went on to win the world series.
What you need to know
With all the talent the Dodgers still had, they didn't have to do much in the offseason. They could literally have done nothing and still have been world series favorites this year. That's how they started off the winter, with only minor moves until they signed former all star closer Blake Treinen on a one year deal to revamp his value after falling apart in 2019. Several minor league contracts later, LHP Alex Wood was brought in for his second stint in the Dodger blue. After that, more radio silence from the Dodgers until the Mookie Betts blockbuster. The Dodgers sent Kenta Maeda to Minnesota, and Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong, and Jeter Downs to Boston. They got back Brusdar Graterol from the Twins and Mookie Betts and David Price from the Red Sox. That was it for the Dodgers this winter.
Moves I like
Graterol is a pitcher who can add some serious heat to the back end of the bullpen, and can also be flexed into a starting role if necessary. Betts, the 2018 MVP, is one of the best players in the game, nothing needs to be said about his abilites. Price's salary is a burden, and he's at the back end of his career, but he still has value in the middle of the pack in the Dodgers rotation. He will probably slot in at the number 3 spot in the rotation, behind Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw. Of course, now, if the Dodgers don't win the world series this year, they will become one of the biggest laughingstocks in baseball.
2020 outlook
This year, more than ever before, it is world series or bust for the Dodgers. In 2017, they came up one game short, and in 2018, the Red Sox embarrassed them right out of the ballpark. 2019's humiliation needs no more telling, just see for yourself. They have multiple MVP's, a surplus of depth, impact players all over this team. If they don't win a world series with all of this talent seeping from the roster, no amount of damage control can ever save this team from facing the music.
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