Breaking news: 3 more moves Andrew Friedman needs to make to round out Dodgers superteam

Three Moves Andrew Friedman Needs to Make to Round Out the Dodgers’ Superteam

The Los Angeles Dodgers have consistently been a dominant force in Major League Baseball, especially under the leadership of President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. Their ability to blend star power, developmental prowess, and financial flexibility has helped them maintain a championship-contending roster year after year. However, after a disappointing early exit in the postseason, it’s clear that the Dodgers’ roster, while strong, still has areas in need of improvement. To further solidify their status as a perennial powerhouse and, more importantly, bring home another World Series championship, Friedman needs to make a few more key moves.

The Dodgers are already stacked with talent, boasting an impressive core of players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw, and others. The roster is filled with veteran stars and emerging young talent, making them one of the most balanced teams in the league. However, as the 2024 offseason continues, the Dodgers’ front office needs to be strategic in adding to this roster. Here are three moves that Friedman needs to make to truly round out the Dodgers’ superteam and maximize their chances of competing for another championship in the upcoming season.

1. Add a Premier Starting Pitcher to Bolster the Rotation

While the Dodgers have one of the best rotations in baseball, there’s always room to improve, especially when aiming to win the World Series. With Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and Tony Gonsolin as reliable starters, the Dodgers have a solid foundation on the mound. However, there are concerns about depth, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Kershaw’s age and potential injury risks. Urías and Gonsolin have shown flashes of brilliance but have also had inconsistencies in recent seasons. To round out the rotation and truly compete against other top-tier teams in the postseason, Friedman should target a high-impact starting pitcher.

A prime candidate for the Dodgers would be a top-tier free agent like Blake Snell, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2023. Snell has the ability to dominate on the mound with his electric stuff, and his addition to the Dodgers would give them a left-handed ace to complement Kershaw. Snell’s strikeout ability and postseason experience make him an ideal addition for a team looking to build a superteam that can contend not only during the regular season but also deep into October.

Alternatively, the Dodgers could explore a trade for a front-line starter such as Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers. Burnes has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the National League over the past few years, and his ability to generate swings and misses would make him an ideal fit for the Dodgers’ pitching staff. A rotation that includes Burnes alongside Urías, Gonsolin, and Kershaw would provide an overwhelming amount of pitching depth, giving them an edge in both the regular season and the postseason.

2. Acquire an Impactful Shortstop for the Infield

Another area where the Dodgers need to upgrade is at shortstop. While they’ve had success with Miguel Rojas in the position, his offensive production has been inconsistent, and his bat isn’t nearly as potent as some of the top shortstops in the game. To truly elevate their infield and their overall roster, Friedman should pursue a top-tier shortstop. Acquiring a dynamic player at this position could bolster the Dodgers’ offense significantly while also providing strong defense.

One of the top shortstops available is Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays. Franco has already shown signs of greatness at a young age and has the potential to become one of the best all-around shortstops in the game. His combination of power, speed, and defense would be a major asset to the Dodgers. Not only would Franco provide a solid bat in the middle of the lineup, but he also brings the defensive skills that would help anchor the infield for years to come.

Another option would be Carlos Correa, who is a proven star at shortstop with championship pedigree. Despite some injury concerns and occasional drama surrounding his past, Correa remains one of the most talented players in the league. His ability to hit for both average and power, coupled with his elite defensive skills, would give the Dodgers an upgrade at shortstop and allow them to keep Rojas in a utility role where he could provide depth. Correa’s postseason experience also brings invaluable leadership that could help the Dodgers go all the way in October.

3. Trade for a Versatile Power-Hitting Outfielder

While the Dodgers’ outfield is strong, with Mookie Betts anchoring the group, the team could use another power-hitting outfielder to complement Betts and Chris Taylor. A player with the ability to hit for both power and average, while also providing an added defensive presence in the outfield, could be a difference-maker for the Dodgers, especially in the high-pressure moments of the postseason.

One player who would fit perfectly with the Dodgers is Juan Soto, currently with the San Diego Padres. Soto is one of the best hitters in the game, with a combination of patience at the plate, power, and the ability to get on base at an elite clip. His addition would create a fearsome trio of Betts, Freeman, and Soto in the Dodgers’ lineup, providing them with unmatched depth. Soto is also a player capable of performing under the bright lights of the postseason, and his left-handed bat would offer balance to the predominantly right-handed lineup.

In addition to his offensive prowess, Soto is an above-average outfielder who can play both corners, which would give the Dodgers flexibility in terms of defensive positioning. Pairing Soto with Betts in the outfield would give the Dodgers two of the best defenders at their respective positions, providing both run prevention and offensive fireworks.

Alternatively, Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates would be another option to consider. Reynolds, while not as high-profile as Soto, is a well-rounded hitter with consistent power and the ability to get on base. He is also a solid defender in the outfield and would provide the Dodgers with a reliable bat in the middle of the lineup. Reynolds wouldn’t require the same level of prospect capital that a trade for Soto would, but he could still be a very effective piece to complement the Dodgers’ superteam.

Why These Moves Make Sense for the Dodgers

Each of these three moves is crucial for the Dodgers as they aim to put together a team that can win a championship in 2024. While they already boast one of the best rosters in baseball, the addition of a premier starting pitcher, an impactful shortstop, and a versatile power-hitting outfielder would significantly elevate the team and make them even more dangerous. These additions would provide a perfect balance between power, speed, defense, and pitching depth, making the Dodgers a true superteam.

The Dodgers have the financial flexibility to make these moves, especially considering their deep pockets and their history of being willing to spend big when necessary. Additionally, they have a solid farm system, which could help facilitate trade talks for these players. While it may require parting with some of their top prospects, the chance to build a truly elite roster would be worth the investment.

In terms of roster construction, these moves would fill some key gaps. A premier starting pitcher would ensure that the Dodgers have a rotation capable of dominating in the postseason. A shortstop with both offensive and defensive abilities would provide stability at one of the most important positions on the field. Finally, a power-hitting outfielder would give the Dodgers an added layer of offensive depth, allowing them to go toe-to-toe with any team in the league.