A loss to the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series will undoubtedly overshadow a franchise-record 111-win regular season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and as they turn the page to offseason mode, they figure to have a fair amount of roster changes.
The Dodgers are slated to have 10 free agents, namely Tyler Anderson, Andrew Heaney, Clayton Kershaw and Trea Turner, with the latter two being the most costly of the group.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will have his hands full trying to allocate resources to the top-end pieces of the roster, and there are four players with team options in Hanser Alberto, Danny Duffy, Jimmy Nelson and Justin Turner.
Prior to the Dodgers making any decision on tendering contracts to the 12 players eligible for salary arbitration, the 2023 payroll sits at $124,600,000 per projections.
The deadline to tender contracts to players on the 40-man roster for the 2023 season is December 2 at 5 p.m. PT., but the Dodgers must decide on team options in the days immediately following the conclusion of the 2022 World Series.
Upcoming Dodgers team options
Hanser Alberto contract
Originally signed last offseason to provide a steady presence from the right-hand side, Alberto was given a one-year deal with a $2 million team option for the 2023 season and $250,000 buyout. However, the first season with the Dodgers left a lot to be desired for the seven-year veteran.
The Dodgers had hoped to utilize Alberto’s position versatility and ability to provide quality at-bats, but after logging a .623 on-base plus slugging in 159 plate appearances, his largest contribution could arguably be an ability to pitch in mop-up duty.
Alberto was left off the NLDS roster, but his energy on the bench proved to be very valuable to the team, and with such a low guaranteed salary for the 2023 season, Friedman could decide to take another shot or just utilize his cheap buyout and search for more upside.
Danny Duffy contract
Duffy was acquired from the Kansas City Royals at the trade deadline in 2021 after going 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA, 4.17 FIP and 1.32 WHIP in 13 games prior to a string of setbacks that ultimately ended his year. The Dodgers re-signed Duffy to a one-year deal with the intention he would contribute in the second half of 2022, but his rehab was halted while with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Dodgers currently hold a $7 million option with Duffy for the 2023 season, but without registering one appearance for the team, it’s more than likely the team declines it.
Jimmy Nelson contract
Nelson has been plagued by injuries in his time with the Dodgers after signing with the team following six years with the Milwaukee Brewers. Nelson’s time with the club in 2021 was incredibly productive, posting a 1.86 ERA in 29 innings while registering six holds.
He underwent Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair in August 2021 with the understanding he wouldn’t potentially contribute this season. Nelson’s club option for 2023 is only $1.1 million and has been vocal about his desire to prove himself next year. This should be a no-brainer decision for Friedman in picking up his option.
Justin Turner contract
The most intriguing of the bunch considering his stature and meaning to the Dodgers organization, Turner is set to make $16 million if the team decides to exercise their option for 2023.
Turner batted .278/.350..438 this year, but his postseason numbers have dipped dramatically in the last two Octobers. In his last 14 playoff games, Turner has posted a .128 batting average in 47 at-bats with just six hits, one home run, and three runs scored.
The Dodgers could choose to buy out Turner and reach an agreement on a new contract at lower average annual value.
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