3 Dodgers players who could be on the Reds radar during free agency
The Dodgers were eliminated from the MLB Playoffs and will be looking to regroup this winter.
After an early-exit, the Los Angeles Dodgers' brass cannot be happy. Winners of 100 games during the regular season, LA is out of the postseason after losing to their division rival in the NLDS.
The Dodgers are not a team that typically sits on their hands during the offseason. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedmann will be looking to reshape the Dodgers' roster with an eye on winning the World Series in 2024.
While some of the Dodgers' top prospects could be intriguing additions for the Cincinnati Reds if Nick Krall is looking to swing a trade or two this offseason, Los Angeles has a ton of free agents. Are there three Dodgers players that could be on the Reds radar this winter?
1. Dodgers pitcher Shelby Miller could be on the Reds radar this offseason
Every single Cincinnati Reds fan is advocating for their favorite team to sign a starting pitcher during the offseason. How about a reliever? Shelby Miller is set to be a free agent during the upcoming season, and the 33-year-old could definitely help to bolster the Cincinnati bullpen.
During the regular season, Miller appeared in 36 games, logged over 40 innings of work and posted a minuscule 1.71 ERA. Miller's 25.8-percent strikeout-rate is good enough, and his 11.7-percent walk-rate is not crippling.
Miller is a fly ball pitcher, but the right-hander did a nice job of keeping the ball in the ballpark. Over 42 innings, Miller allowed just three ball to leave the yard.
Was Shelby Miller more fortunate than good. His 3.68 FIP and 4.49 xFIP would suggest the answer is, yes. So, under no circumstances should the Cincinnati Reds overpay for a player like Miller. However, if the Reds are looking to upgrade the relief corps, they'd be wise to keep Miller on their radar.
2. Dodgers pitcher Lance Lynn could be on the Reds radar this offseason
About now, you're probably sensing a theme, huh? The Cincinnati Reds need pitching; more specifically, the Reds need starters. While I still maintain the Reds did the right thing not adding at the trade deadline, Nick Krall has to find a way to upgrade the rotation during the offseason.
Reds fans are excited to see the maturation of pitchers like Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, and others, but as we all saw in 2023, injuries happen. The Opening Day rotation could consist of Abbott, Ashcraft, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Brandon Williamson. But adding a veteran should be a priority.
Now, after having watched Lance Lynn all season, and especially on Wednesday night, everyone and their brother knows that the right-hander struggled mightily with home runs this past season.
In addition to seeing four balls leave the ballpark against the Arizona Diamondbacks during Game 3 of the NLCS, Lynn also surrendered 44 gopher balls in 2023. According to FanGraphs, nearly 20-percent of Lynn's fly balls ended up in the seats.
But prior to this past season, Lynn did not have a huge penchant for allowing homers. Heading into 2023, Lynn had allowed just 0.90 home runs per nine innings. This season, that number jumped to 2.16.
If the Cincinnati Reds think that number is an anomaly, then snagging Lynn on an incentive-laden one-year deal might be worth the risk. At 36 years old and coming off his worst season since 2018, Lynn could be a very inexpensive addition to the Reds starting rotation.
3. Dodgers outfielder Enrique Hernandez could be on the Reds radar this offseason
No one knows what the Cincinnati Reds clubhouse is going to look like in 2024. Curt Casali's option is unlikely to be picked up. Luke Maile will be a free agent. Will Jonathan India be traded? Might the Reds re-sign Joey Votto?
With so many questions regarding this team's veteran leadership, Cincinnati is going to need to recruit a couple grizzled vets to help usher in the Reds young stars. Kiké Hernandez is a name to watch this offseason.
Hernandez began the season as a member of the Boston Red Sox, but was evenutally dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hernandez is a versatile defender who can play on the infield dirt and the outfield grass. If the Reds decide to part ways with Nick Senzel this winter, Hernandez could help to fill that role on the team.
Hernandez didn't played well this past season, but the 32-year-old is two years removed from a career-year with the Red Sox. In 2021, Hernandez slashed .250/.337/.449 with with 20 home runs and 60 RBI.
Enrique Hernandez is a buy-low candidate who could provide a great deal of postseason experience, veteran leadership, and above-average defense. Hernandez could be the perfect compliment to the left-handed duo of Will Benson and Jake Fraley in the Cincinnati Reds outfield.