The Los Angeles Dodgers have several needs to address this offseason, including the shortstop position, as Trea Turner became a free agent for the first time in his career.
The 29-year-old has drawn considerable interest and isn’t considered likely to re-sign with the Dodgers due in part to a widely reported preference of returning to the East Coast.
If Turner joins another team, the Dodgers could pivot to another top free-agent shortstop such as Carlos Correa or Dansby Swanson. L.A. has publicly been connected to both players, but there are hurdles toward a potential Correa signing and many expect Swanson to stay with the Atlanta Braves.
Xander Bogaerts is also part of the star-studded free-agent shortstop class. According to Marino Pepén of WJDA, the Dodgers are among the many teams showing interest in the longtime Boston Red Sox infielder:
Buenos días, mi Gente!!!
Feliz domingo!!!HOY:
Xander Bogaerts es el SS más apetecible del mercado FA. Dentro de los interesados siguen #Phillies, #RedSox y #Padres. Se añaden #Dodgers, #Cubs y #Twins.Los #Cardinals al momento sólo han indagado…
Seguimos, Positivo y OK.
— Marino Pepén (@Marino_Pepen) November 27, 2022
Bogaerts is coming off another stellar season that saw him hit .307/.377/.456 with 38 doubles, 15 home runs and 73 RBI across 631 plate appearances (150 games). He additionally played strong defense and accumulated 5.8 WAR for his efforts — his second-highest total for any season.
Bogaerts rejected the $19.65 million qualifying offer from the Red Sox, so any team that signs him will be required to give up draft compensation.
What if Dodgers don’t sign a top free-agent shortstop?
If the Dodgers miss out on signing a top shortstop, they could shift their focus to the trade market. L.A. reportedly has expressed interest in Willy Adames, but it isn’t clear if the Milwaukee Brewers would be willing to deal him.
The Dodgers also said to feel confident in Gavin Lux taking over starting duties at shortstop next season if needed.
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