As the Los Angeles Dodgers remain connected to Freddie Freeman, the team has other areas of their roster to address as well.
While speaking with reporters on Friday afternoon, manager Dave Roberts identified the starting rotation and bench depth as focal points. Shortly after, the Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw reportedly agreed to a one-year, $17 million contract for the 2022 regular season.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are said to be among the teams interested in Jorge Soler. The 2021 World Series MVP would fit with the team as both an option in the outfield and for the universal designated hitter.
Nelson Cruz is another slugger that figures to potentially benefit from the NL adopting a DH, and the Dodgers are among the teams with interest in the veteran slugger, according to Enrique Rojas of ESPN:
Source: At least 8 teams interested in DH Nelson Cruz, including #Dodgers #Padres and #Brewers.
Nellie's market is accelerating, but he's not closing a deal yet.Fuente: Al menos 8 clubes interesados en Nelson Cruz, incluyendo #Dodgers #Padres y #Brewers.
Nada definitivo aún.— Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) March 12, 2022
Cruz has spent the majority of his career playing left field or right field if not serving as a DH. He made one start at first base for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
Cruz spent the 2021 campaign with the Minnesota Twins and Rays, batting a combined .265/.334/.497 with 21 doubles, 32 home runs and 86 RBI over 140 games. He was selected to the All-Star Game and later named the winner of the 2021 Roberto Clemente Award.
Dodgers prefer rotating DH
The Dodgers signing Cruz would effectively go against their expected strategy of using the DH spot to rotate players through as a means of getting some rest, just as they did in 2020.
Of course, the front office historically has multiple scenarios laid out and have proven capable of adjusting when necessary.
“I was talking to Andrew about it, and I know we’re aligned in the fact that we could pivot and get that everyday DH,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“But I think for the way we view things in a season, and our roster we have right now, to use that as a revolving position in the batting order to facilitate days off and maybe augment a matchup that we like that night. That’s kind of how we see it.
“With the DH, it certainly changes the landscape, but I think for us, defending but using that for a revolving position is the way we look at it.”
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