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The Dodgers offseason in 2021 and 2022 figures to be an interesting one. The club expected to win the World Series for the second straight season but ultimately fell short, losing to the Braves in the NLCS. There is now a whole host of Dodgers offseason needs that need to be addressed if Los Angeles hopes to get back to the World Series in 2022.
It’ll start with several upcoming Dodgers free agents who will either need to be re-signed or replaced. But there are also weaknesses within the roster that might need to be addressed. While the team will no doubt expect to compete for another championship next year, there’s a lot that needs to be done to make that happen.
Dodgers offseason needs 2021
In terms of Dodgers offseason predictions for 2021-22, there’s no telling what could happen.
In past years, the organization has made it clear that there is no limit to what they will do to win championships. Of course, the first step is recognizing the Dodgers offseason needs and the positions that need to be addressed this winter.
Starting rotation
The Los Angeles rotation could look considerably different in 2022 than the 2021 rotation.
The likes of Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer are free agents, and so is Danny Duffy, although he didn’t contribute much after being acquired midseason.
There’s also no way the Dodgers can count on Trevor Bauer given his complicated situation. That leaves Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, and Tony Gonsolin as the headliners of the rotation with David Price being a wild card. While that’s a good start, the Dodgers will need to acquire one or two starters who are the caliber of pitchers like Kershaw and Scherzer.
Closer
The Los Angeles bullpen will also have some holes to fill this winter.
Closer Kenley Jansen is a free agent and so is Corey Knebel, who was huge for the Dodgers during the playoffs.
While Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen, and others are under contract, it’s impossible to underestimate what losing Jansen and Knebel could mean. If the Dodgers can re-sign both, they won’t hesitate to do so. If not, they’ll need to find other late-game relievers to replace them.
The Chris Taylor Position
Taylor might be the most overlooked free agent the Dodgers have this winter.
Not only has he had some productive seasons as a hitter for Los Angeles but he is a huge asset because he can play just about any position.
He helps plug holes wherever the Dodgers have one. The Dodgers used to have a similar player in Enrique Hernandez, who left in free agency last winter.
The Dodgers can’t afford to lose Taylor this winter without finding a suitable replacement.
Shortstop
Despite Corey Seager hitting the free-agent market, shortstop may not be a huge need for the Dodgers.
However, the club needs to figure out its future at that position. Are they going to move Trea Turner to shortstop and make Gavin Lux the everyday second baseman?
Do they want to use Lux as a versatile utility man just like Taylor has been for many years?
Do they want to sign Turner to an extension knowing that he’ll be a free agent next winter?
There are plenty of options available, but the Dodgers need to make a decision about how they’re going to approach their situation at shortstop and whether or not they want to make an effort to re-sign Seager.
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