Returners: Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brandon McCarthy, Alex Wood, Mike Bolsinger, Carlos Frias
While many are pining for multiple splash signings throughout the rotation, the truth is, the Dodgers already have several pitchers under contract for next season.
Kershaw, Ryu and Wood are all expected to be in the rotation on Opening Day of 2016, with Ryu’s on track to be recovered from shoulder surgery by Spring Training.
McCarthy, on the other hand, won’t be back until midway through the 2016 season, at best. As for Bolsinger and Frias, I think everyone is hoping the Dodgers won’t need 34 starts from the duo next season, as their role will be nothing more than bullpen arms and fill-in starters.
Potential Signings: Zack Greinke, David Price, Johnny Cueto, Brett Anderson
If there’s one safe bet this offseason, it’s that the Dodgers are going to go and get an elite starting pitcher to pair with Kershaw.
Many, of course, believe that pitcher will be Greinke — a (recently) 32-year-old righty who fits perfectly into Dodger Stadium, and whose repertoire should age nicely over the length of a 5-6 year deal.
If, for some reason, the Dodgers don’t sign Greinke (or feel the need to acquire two aces), David Price would seem to be next on their list.
The 30-year-old left-hander has been one of the league’s best pitchers since 2010, and because of that, should be the most expensive free agent signing due to his age. Many expect Price to sign with the Chicago Cubs.
While a long shot, Johnny Cueto could be in play for the Dodgers if all else fails. He’s someone whose stock might be in flux due to a dreadful second half with the Royals (13 starts, 4.76 ERA, 1.45 WHIP).
That said, he was nasty in the National League (19 starts, 2.62 ERA, 0.93 WHIP) and is the youngest of the group at 29.
Finally, that brings us to Anderson. While not as sexy as the others on this list, Anderson presents the “known commodity” option who can fill in the back of the rotation.
The other upside to Anderson (aside from being far cheaper) is the possibility of a short-term contract, maybe two to three years — which leaves room for prospects like Julio Urias or Jose De Leon in the rotation over the next few seasons.
In the end, I think the Dodgers do get Greinke and add another back-end-of-the-rotation guy like Anderson. My only concern with Anderson is what they would do once everyone gets healthy (should that happen, of course).
I’d prefer someone who might have bullpen upside if possible, and wouldn’t be surprised if the Dodgers looked to fill one of these holes via trade.
