The Los Angeles Dodgers could still win the World Series in 2024. But regardless of whether or not it happens, there is one big hole they need to plug.
Shortstop has been a pain point for the Dodgers all season, starting from the beginning of Spring Training. Mookie Betts was announced as the surprise starter over Gavin Lux, despite playing right field for nearly his entire career, then Betts missed two months with a fractured hand.
35-year-old Miguel Rojas did an admirable job filling in at short for most of this season, but it would be perilous to bring him back on a one-year deal and expect similar production at the plate. And the Dodgers are the Dodgers, so they should almost be expected to pursue a marquee free agent.
The number-one free agent at the shortstop position this winter is undoubtedly Milwaukee Brewers star Willy Adames, who boosted his stock with an excellent 2024 season. It's early, but the Dodgers could already be prepping an offer for Adames as they look to find their next cornerstone shortstop.
On Sunday, insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post named the Dodgers as the early favorites to land Adames, who came up with the Tampa Bay Rays during Los Angeles president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman's tenure as Rays general manager.
"Willy Adames, spiritual leader of Brew Crew, has been target of Dodgers, Braves and Giants in past and they’re seen as among possible landing spots," Heyman said on X. "Brewers would love to keep him but understand he’s probably out of price range. LA, with Friedman/Rays link, possible favorite?"
Adames, 29, is hitting free agency at the perfect time, fresh off a career-high 32-homer season. He slashed a robust .251/.331/.462 this season, and led all shortstops with 112 RBI.
As much as Milwaukee would love to keep Adames around, his price tag will likely be out of their modest price range. Spotrac projects that he will land a six-year, $152 million extension, and that number could easily go up if multiple teams (say, the Giants and Braves) start a bidding war.
The Dodgers certainly hope their season ends in triumph, but as soon as it does reach its conclusion, look for them to make a headlong charge at Adames.
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