Regardless of whether or not they sign Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers could entertain several trade options, including a long-speculated deal for right-hander Corbin Burnes and/or Willy Adames.
Burns would obviously help fill a void in the Dodgers’ rotation, and Adams would give them a defensive upgrade at shortstop over Gavin Lux. Lux, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, could return to the Brewers in a trade and become the team’s second baseman, with Brice Turang moving to shortstop.
Another possibility for the Dodgers, who are looking for a right-handed bat/outfield hitter: a reunion with free agent Kiké Hernandez, who had double hernia surgery on Oct. 24 but should be ready for spring training.
• The Reds’ interest in a one-year trade option like the Rays’ Tyler Glasnow depends on how they see themselves in 2024.
The NL Central is one of the weaker divisions in the game, and the Reds competed well last season, finishing 82-80 and missing out on a wild-card berth by just two games. But as the younger players mature, the team’s best chance to compete may be in 2025 and beyond, making starting to pitch even more of a priority.
The problem, at least from a trade perspective, is that the Reds may not be willing to meet the price the White Sox paid for Dylan Cease, who remains under control for two more seasons. The Reds are eyeing their young talent, although, like the Orioles, their depth is enough for them to outbid some players in trades.
• The Braves’ trade with the Mariners for outfielder Jared Kelenic, Marco Gonzalez and first baseman Evan White has been interpreted by some in the industry as a potential precursor to a deal for Cease, but there does not appear to be a connection between the two.
In theory, Gonzalez could have helped fill the gap in the White Sox rotation, but the Braves on Tuesday night traded him to the Pirates. The White Sox know Kelenic from their days scouting him at Waukesha West (Wi.) High. But now that Kelenic has been traded twice, some clubs are wondering if he will fulfill the potential he showed as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 draft.
However, the Braves are intrigued by Kelenic, a left-handed hitter who is still only 24 years old and under club control for five more seasons. Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said Kelenic was the only player he targeted this offseason.
• Free agent left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez has met in person with several clubs in meetings, and those clubs have made offers or outlined the parameters of a deal, according to the pitcher’s agent, Gene Matteo.
Mattu said the plan now is to “take a breath, evaluate potential shifts and continue to engage with those specific clubs.” The Athletic’s Jim Bowden tied Rodriguez to a five-year, $90 million contract. MLB trade rumors predicted Four years, $82 million.
• Free agent Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 28, is a hot commodity, with the Marlins and Brewers showing interest in him. Given his age and versatility, a multi-year deal appears to be within reach.
Keener Faleeva, coming off a tough season with the Yankees in 2022, reinvented himself as a super-utility man last season, playing in the major leagues for the first time, including 29 games in center field, 28 in left field and four. In the right. His only previous experience on the court was 10 combined appearances in the minors from 2015-17.
• Three people who have worked closely together previously — Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, Cubs manager Craig Counsell and Brewers manager Pat Murphy — were all on the same flight from Milwaukee to Nashville on Sunday night.
Although the situation may have been “awkward,” it actually wasn’t. The three maintain strong relationships. Stearns spoke highly of Counsell after their potential reunion with the Mets did not materialize. Murphy was Counsell’s bench coach with the Brewers and his college coach at Norte Dame.
All three will now be National League contenders.
• Finally, could Red Sox manager Alex Cora be the next general counsel, a hot free agent on the managerial market?
Cora is unsigned after this season and is working under new president of baseball operations, Craig Breslow. Reporters asked Cora about his situation in Tuesday’s meetings.
“I’m very comfortable with that,” Cora said. “I think at the end of the day, if (Cora’s wife) Angelica is happy and the kids are happy and my daughter is happy, then we’re good.
“I understand how it works. I know there is something we will discuss. We will talk with time, but I think now from my part I am not selfish. I think the most important thing now is to improve this team.”
(Top image by Corbin Burns: Justin Pearl/Getty Images)