LOS ANGELES – As the MLB offseason heads into some uncertain territory with the current CBA expiring on December 1 and a lockout looming, the question of how many free agents will sign a new deal before that date remains the most prevalent.
For Dodgers fans, that question is most significant when it comes to their biggest free agent star in Corey Seager.
The 2020 NLCS and World Series MVP shortstop is clearly the most significant catch for any team this offseason. While many believe Seager will end up staying in LA, there is always a chance another big or small market comes in with an offer he simply can’t refuse.
While fans adore Seager and would love to see him spend his best years in a Dodgers uniform, they should also understand that this organization will be in a solid position regardless of Seager’s future.
If he re-signs on an 8-year deal worth $300-plus million, then the Dodgers know they have another franchise cornerstone for years to come to go along with their star outfielder Mookie Betts. No matter who else comes and goes for the Dodgers, fans know they will have a potent dynamic duo in Seager and Betts for the greater part of the next decade leading this squad.
(Courtesy of All About Baseball)
However, if we know anything about the Andrew Friedman era for the Dodgers, is he values depth and versatility.
Both aspects were put to the test this past year when they lost both Kike Hernandez and Joc Pederson, and the roster was decimated with injuries with low level minor leaguers often struggling to make an impact. It was a stark reminder that replacing some guys isn’t always that easy.
So while everyone is clamoring for Seager’s return, what would that mean for All-Star Chris Taylor who’s been such a big part of the Dodgers’ success in recent years? Taylor can play anywhere in the infield or outfield, hit anywhere in the lineup, and showed he can be clutch in October. CT3’s value is extremely high right now, and many teams will be willing to give him a lucrative long term deal this offseason.
(Courtesy of MLB)
Then there’s the pitching staff; particularly the starting rotation that could use some arms. We saw during the postseason, Walker Buehler and Julio Urias wore down in the NLCS due to fatigue and overuse. Even with the signing of lefty Andrew Heaney, the rest of the rotation remains a question mark which makes re-signing a veteran ace like Max Scherzer a priority.
(Courtesy of MLB Network)
Scherzer is the top free agent starter on the market coming off a Cy Young caliber season and even on a short term deal could cash out this winter. If the Dodgers keep Seager, can they afford to keep Mad Max in Dodger Blue as well?
The fact is if Seager walks and takes his talents elsewhere, it would be a blow to the Dodgers’ ship, but it wouldn’t sink them. The resources they would have used to sign Seager can now be distributed to Taylor, Scherzer, and others to increase their depth and versatility.
Not to mention they still have 2021 batting champion Trea Turner under contract for one more year that can slide back over to his natural position of shortstop. Then maybe Friedman can negotiate an extension to keep him in LA long term, and the Dodgers still have a star shortstop for the future.
Also, keep in mind that Friedman and his front office have others to lock up over the next few seasons in addition to Turner. Buehler, Urias, Cody Bellinger, and Max Muncy will have their contracts expiring soon and decisions will have to be made. If Seager is re-signed, can we confidently say that all of these guys will be brought back even with the backing of a billion dollar ownership group.
(Courtesy of Dodger Blue)
However this Seager free agency situation plays out, the Dodgers will still be a contender moving forward. They have a solid foundation with talented young players in the pipeline that might be able to contribute sooner than later. The Dodgers are in a win-win situation and fans should understand that whether Seager is back in Dodger blue or heads elsewhere.
