With a robust farm system, an intriguing free agent class, and a growing connection to Japanese players, there are plenty of moving parts to keep track of this offseason. Luckily for the Dodgers, they
have the front office talent necessary to manage all those options. Someone needs to make a documentary about what all that management looks like, because I don’t know how they actually do it all, and I’d love to get a sneak peek. In the meantime, though, here’s some intel on the players and possibilities the Dodgers are working with, among other bits of news.
Dodgers Notes
The Dodgers traded for four ranked prospects this season, helping them maintain the top farm system in the majors. Jonathan Mayo at MLB.com took a good look at what each of those prospects could bring to Los Angeles in the coming years.
Free agents are set to make a splash this offseason, and David Shoenfield at ESPN has plenty to say about who might end up with the Dodgers. He lists Bo Bichette as the potential addition most likely to help the Dodgers win again, along with Kyle Tucker as most likely to sign with a surprise team — including L.A.
There’s also the question of Japanese superstar Tatsuya Imai, an ace pitcher for the Seibu Lions who is eligible for MLB play. Will he join the Dodgers and add to the team’s Japanese contingent? “Winning against a team like that and becoming a World Champion would be the most valuable thing in my life,” he said on Japan’s Hodo Station news show. “If anything, I’d rather take them down.” Michael Clair and Ayako Oikawa at MLB.com have more on Imai’s MLB plans.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is concerned about how much the Dodgers have been winning lately, according to Chris Kirschner at The Athletic. “It’s always a concern any time I feel that one team is pulling away from the other 29, (or) selfishly, pulling away from me,” Steinbrenner said. I’m sure other teams felt the same way during the Yankees’ dynasty years, Hal.
There are 54 Dodgers-themed murals across Los Angeles, with more on the way, writes Chuck Schilken at the Los Angeles Times. Artist Daniel “Chaka” Ramos recently partnered with Nike to create seven new ones celebrating the Dodgers’ latest World Series championship.
