The Los Angeles Dodgers non-tendered Cody Bellinger, Edwin Ríos and Luke Williams on Friday, making each of the three a free agent.
That additionally brought the Dodgers 40-man roster to 35 players, though that does not include Clayton Kershaw. He reportedly agreed to re-sign for the 2023 season but the deal has not yet been made official.
Bellinger getting non-tendered had become an increasing possibility after he struggled for a third consecutive season. Although there was improvement from 2021, Bellinger’s walk rate, strikeout rate, hard-hit percentage and other peripherals proved concerning.
The Dodgers reportedly explored potential trade scenarios prior to not tendering a contract to Bellinger. It’s conceivable he will remain with the team that drafted him, but the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams with reported interest.
Ríos was poised to go through the salary arbitration process for the first time but somewhat surprisingly finds himself a free agent instead.
Ríos batted .244/.293/.500 with seven home runs, 17 RBI and a 120 wRC+, but he never returned to the Dodgers roster after a significant hamstring strain in June. Ríos was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City after completing a rehab assignment.
Meanwhile, Williams is a free agent a mere 10 days after getting claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins. Williams spent this past season with the San Francisco Giants and Marlins, batting a combined .236/.287/.315 with five doubles, one triple, one home run and nine RBI.
Williams appeared in just eight games for the Giants prior to getting designated for assignment on May 21.
Dodgers tender contracts to 10
Dodgers eligible for arbitration and who were tendered a contract are Yency Almonte, Walker Buehler, Caleb Ferguson, Tony Gonsolin, Brusdar Graterol, Dustin May, Evan Phillips, Will Smith, Trayce Thompson and Julio Urías.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
