It is the holiday gift giving season. Your favorite team has some holes to fill. Just who should they target to fill those holes? Ask 25 fans, you will usually get 25 different answers. I am pretty sure some of the suggestions I would make would get some pushback from other fans.
I think they need a pure center fielder. To me, Pages is a stop gap measure and merely adequate. He made a critical catch to save a game in the World Series. But he also does not run routes very well. He still has a penchant for trying to throw out runners he has no shot at getting.
His bat all but disappeared in the World Series. He was only in CF as a defensive replacement because Edman’s ankle was still an issue. Just who might that CF be? Well, there have been several suggestions made by posters. Some are not realistic; others might have a solid chance.
- Luis Robert Jr.: I saw a list on ESPN of the likely landing place of players most likely to be traded. Robert had an 60% chance according to their analysts of being traded. The Dodgers were not listed as a possible destination.
- Byron Buxton: Buxton has a 30% chance of being moved. My main concern with Buxton is the same as I have with Robert Jr. These guys just cannot stay healthy and on the field. The Dodgers were not mentioned as a possible destination for Buxton either.
- Cody Bellinger: Bellinger is the more versatile of these players. Belli can play any outfield position plus first base and he is a solid defender at all of them. Bellinger has become more of a contact hitter since he left the Dodgers and has not struck out more than 90 times in the last 3 years. He is going to turn 31 during the season, so a 3–5-year deal is not out of line.
- Harrison Bader: Bader to me is more of a stop gap measure until the Dodgers prospects are ready for prime time. He is an excellent defender who did a very good job last year. Not a lot of power, but a solid contact hitter.
My list would also include a solid high leverage reliever. Devin Williams is off the board since he signed with the Mets.
- Robert Suarez: Suarez has been the Padres closer for the last two seasons and has recorded 76 saves in those two seasons. His ERA is 2.87 for the two seasons. I really like the fact that Suarez does not give up many homers. He gave up 13 in 134.2 innings. Suarez is 37 so I don’t see more than a 2-year deal.
- Pete Fairbanks: Fairbanks has been the Rays closer for 3 years. He has averaged 25 saves a year and his ERA has been right at or under 3. He also does not give up a lot of long balls. He is 31 and I could see a 2- or 3-year deal being viable.
- Kyle Finnegan: Finnegan split last season between the Nationals and the Tigers. He had 20 saves at the time of the trade. He was 3-0 with 4 saves and a sparkling 1.50 ERA with Detroit. He pitched well in 5 of his 6 appearances in the post season. He is another pitcher who does not give up a lot of homers.
- Kenley Jansen: Jansen is more of a sentimental pick than anything else. Many fans would like to see him reach 500 saves in a Dodger uniform. Jansen had his best season since leaving the Dodgers after the 21 season. He needs 24 saves to reach 500. I seriously do not think he would get that many chances in LA.
The Dodgers are loaded with players who can play multiple positions, and they just resigned Miguel Rojas for another year. But they still are connected to guys like Brendan Donovan. Donovan can play 2nd, 3rd and the outfield. He is a gritty contact style hitter with some power.
I question the need for another player of this type. I am not the GM though and I still see that the team has an interest in Donovan. So do several other teams according to the reports. If LA does not sign or trade for a CF, I believe they need a solid replacement for Conforto. Players like Lars Nootbaar have been mentioned. Unless they move Teo in a trade of some kind, I just cannot see that happening.
Many have also suggested that they should sign Bo Bichette with the intent of moving him to third once Max Muncy has played out his string in LA. Bichette would play second and then move to third in 27. I think that all depends on how much the owners are willing to spend on free agents this winter It is going to be a very interesting couple of weeks.
Discussion (28)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Per Chandler Rome and Rosenthal:
Shane Baz has emerged as one target in the Astros’ search for starting pitching. No deal is close and some league sources doubt Baz will be moved, but the interest is real and demonstrates the sort of trade Houston is trying to make.
Ahh. I recognized the condescending attitude. You couldn’t hide it with anew name
Per Jack Harris:
Hello from the Winter Meetings, where Dave Roberts just spoke to reporters. Some notes:
— He reiterated FO’s stance that the current roster is strong as is & a big splash this winter isn’t necessarily needed. But, added that another high-leverage reliever is “never a bad thing”
— Regarding the WBC, Roberts said there still are conversations to be had with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki about their participation/usage
Also, he said “the thought” is that Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch in the WBC, but they still need to discuss that too
– Roberts said Teoscar Hernández, who has been the subject of trade rumors, still “certainly fits” the roster, and could move to LF depending on how things shake out
“But right now,” Roberts added, “he’s our right fielder”
Per Katie Woo AF to speak with reporters later
Wellbluto , i don’t record everything i read. Rumors are rumors. i did read this either on br or some other site. I’m not in the habit of of making things up and attributing it to others.
I asked ChatGPT:
“Is CJ Abrams a good defensive SS?
Here is the answer:
CJ Abrams — short answer: not really — at least not yet. He has tools (speed, athleticism), but in the big leagues his work as a defender at shortstop has been a notable weakness. Here’s a breakdown of why most evaluators don’t consider him a “good defensive SS” at this time.
What works — his physical tools and upside
Scouts saw him early as a “twitchy,” athletic infielder with “quick footwork, plus range, solid glovework and adequate arm strength.” Baseball America+2Baseball Prospectus+2
He has the athletic profile — speed, mobility, and “soft hands” — that could allow him to stick at shortstop or transition to another position (if needed).
Some defensive-run metrics have occasionally painted less disastrous pictures (for example, one season he ranked 9th among qualified shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved) – suggesting flashes of competence.
So in principle, he has the “raw ingredients” that might allow him to be at least average defensively, and that’s likely why his team gives him the chance at short.
What doesn’t — why most view him as a defensive liability
According to Statcast (“Outs Above Average,” OAA), Abrams has consistently graded out among the very worst full-time shortstops. For the 2025 season, his OAA at shortstop was in the 2nd percentile.
In 2025 he committed 22 errors — the second-most among all MLB shortstops — and his fielding percentage dropped.
Many advanced defensive metrics show negative “run value”: one analysis recently had him at –7 in “fielding run value,” and evaluators question both his range and arm strength/accuracy for consistent big-league shortstop play.
Traditional stats + scouting: while his range and athleticism look good, his throws — especially from “weird” or stretched positions — sometimes aren’t accurate or strong enough, which undermines his viability at short over the long haul.
Bottom line: while he occasionally makes good plays, he also makes too many routine mistakes, and the underlying metrics suggest he overall costs his team runs rather than saves them.
Why there’s a real risk he can’t “stick” at shortstop
Shortstop is one of the most demanding defensive positions in baseball — it requires consistency, reliable arm + accuracy from different arm slots, and the ability to make close plays look routine. The combination of Abrams’s average-to-light arm, inconsistent throwing mechanics, and struggles with routine plays suggests that he may never reach even “league-average” defense there. Many analysts believe his long-term home may end up being a less demanding position (like second base), where his athleticism could still play.
My take: CJ Abrams — great athletic upside, but not a reliable defensive shortstop today
If you’re building a team that needs a dependable “glove-first” shortstop, Abrams would be a gamble. He’s more of a “bat + speed + upside” player, whose defense remains a clear weakness. That doesn’t make him useless — he still brings value with offense, speed, and baserunning — but it makes him a questionable fit as a defensive cornerstone at shortstop.
how do you know he would flip Gore? maybe he gets the additional lefty they have been rumored to want. Abrams? his attitude has come under scrutiny in the past.
The Nationals are open to trade conversations involving MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams, per
Ken_Rosenthal & Will Sammon.
I still think this is very on-brand for AF to make a deal for both and then flip Gore for prospects. Cleans up the 40 man and starting pitching crunch.
Mark, WTH Happened to your Colts?!?!?!
looks like AF may suprise (not really) us all. Don’t be shocked if Harrison Bader is the dodgers “big” offseason acquisition. Teo in left. Bader in center. Pages in right. Not ideal, but ok i guess. Now if Andy takes a big step forward it could be better than ok. But if he regresses? His playoff production was so bad.(except for the “catch “). Hopefully his plate patience improves. That would leave Call and Edman for outfield backup. Now of course this is pure speculation,but doesn’t Bader fit the kind of signing AF loves? If it does come true, let’s pray it doesn’t turn out to be another Conforto!
LF has always been the red-headed stepchild of baseball. Good bat, so-so glove. Probably won’t change. So Ward fits LF perfectly.
My Christmas wish is that you he Dodgers save their money and give the prospects a shot and start looking for replacements for Max, Freddie and Teo.
Fun to contemplate a Skubal deal….
Assuming that the Tigers don’t want to take on any hefty salaries (like Glasnow’s), the Dodgers could offer Sheehan, Jackson Ferris or Wrobleski, Zach Root, Bobby Miller or Casparius or Henriquez or Ronan Kopp…..and one of those four touted OF prospects.
And/or maybe Freeland or another infield prospect, depending on what the Tigers want.
Too much?
For depth, the Dodgers would still have Gavin Stone, River Ryan and Landon Knack.
Skubal’s agent is probably expecting a $400 mi contract, a record for a pitcher.
The rotation would be Skubal, Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow, Sasaki for five–with Shohei joining later
I wanted AF to bring in Kwan last season to replace Conforto. Reportedly there were talks, but AF balked at the price.
Now I ask myself whether I’d prefer Kwan in LF or Teo. I lean toward Teo for his power and clubhouse presence. Just seems like a key element to the team chemistry.
So instead of Kwan, I’d prefer either Duran or Abreu from Boston. If I ran the Red Sox I might try to get Teo in the deal in addition to pitching. Boston loved David Ortiz, and Teo’s upbeat personality could make him Big Papi Lite.
With no Teo, I’d be OK with covered by a platoon of Alex Call, Ryan Ward and probably a PTBNL
I agree that Pages needs to move to RF at some point and he does try to throw out runners he has no chance of getting. One correction though he was in for Edman because of his arm. The Jays had the bases loaded and Doc wanted a stronger arm for a possible throw to the plate.
I don’t know why anyone would want Luis Robert. It’s now been multiple years of terrible offensive numbers. Everyone has a price, who knows what’s true about Buxton. Edman’s ability to give him some rest makes him intriguing. Belli would be good. He could play OF and possibly replace Freddie when he’s done. I could live with Pages in CF if the acquired Kwan. Duran would be ok too.
I think the Dodgers know which of the OF prospects have the physical and mental tools to make it and which don’t. Go get Skubal.
Jeff “Freaking” Kent?
Old friend Zack McKinstry won the silver slugger for a utility player.
Longenhagen chat:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/eric-longenhagen-prospects-chat-12-5-25/
Key Jangler: Do the Dodgers have enough to go for a three-peat or does veteran fatigue start to catch up? I haven’t dug deep into their prospect list but it seems more future-oriented that 2026-youth-injection-oriented.
Eric A Longenhagen: They’re good enough to do it, but you’re right that they’re more likely to leverage the farm system for trades than they are to have a bunch of rookies spearheading their title defense next year. I still think River Ryan is a dude, though, he should help.
12:34
WAR huh what is it good for absolutely EVERYTHIN: Two prospects I’d love to hear your thoughts on, especially in regards to best outcome, worst outcome, and most likely outcome!
Charlie Condon
Kendall George
Eric A Longenhagen: Crazy high end for George is maybe something like Brett Gardner? More likely a nice extra outfielder. Condon the ceiling is Kris Bryant, the more likely outcome is like Wily Mo Pena, maybe Tyler O’Neill type. I think he’s gonna K a ton, there’s real juice tho.
Kevin: What’s your view of the Rockies bringing Josh Byrnes on board?
Eric A Longenhagen: I love it, they add someone who has been an integral part of the best organization in sports and who has high level executive experience. Went from a place I wouldn’t wanna work to one that I think you have to listen to if they call.
Per MLB Pipeline:
The #Dodgers currently have 7 Top 100 prospects — second most of any farm system behind only Seattle with 8. (This was before the Ford trade, I believe.)
Could more be on the way?
Take a look at 3 (Vargas, Ko and Davalan) making a case:
https://atmlb.com/4pO9jlP
Still very much in debate if he’ll hit enough, but Kendell George is a lot of fun to watch:
https://x.com/LouisAnalysis/status/1997735619074970040
Bringing K Hernández back is something to seriously consider, but they can’t possibly be thinking about bringing him back prior to spring training. So this is February stuff to consider. Not December or January stuff.
Multiple Los Angeles Dodgers players have publicly expressed their desire to have Kiké Hernández return to the team, including Miguel Rojas, Will Smith, Teoscar Hernández, and Anthony Banda.
Specific players who have voiced support for his return:
Miguel Rojas: Rojas mentioned how vital Kiké is to the team’s chemistry and that “everybody in L.A. wants Kiké back”. He also posted about it on Instagram.
Will Smith: Smith stated his love for both Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas, expressing hope that the Dodgers would re-sign them because they are key leaders on the team and in the clubhouse.
Teoscar Hernández: While he was a free agent himself (before re-signing), Teoscar publicly said, “Hopefully. I’m praying to God that we can bring Kiké back. I miss Kiké and I want him to be a Dodger”.
Anthony Banda: Banda explicitly stated that Kiké was “phenomenal” for him personally, brought high energy to the team, and that “all of L.A. is fighting for that”.
Brusdar Graterol and Blake Snell: These players posted supportive messages on their Instagram stories when Kiké re-signed with the Dodgers for the 2025 season.
While other star players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are highly engaged with the team, the most direct and public quotes about actively wanting Kiké back as a free agent have come from the players mentioned above, who value his clubhouse presence, energy, and versatility.
Translation: Kike will be back in 2026!
Plunkett wonderfully previews the Dodgers at the Winter Meetings:
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/12/07/dodgers-head-to-winter-meetings-hoping-to-get-better-but-not-older/
Dodgers head to Winter Meetings hoping to get better – but not older
“It’s front of mind for us as we look out. I wouldn’t necessarily say in 2026,” Friedman said. “But it is definitely something that we’re going to have to be thoughtful with how to bring along some of our talented young players and incorporate them into our core.
“That being said, it’s a constant challenge because we have the highest of expectations going into each season. But I do think it’s something we’re going to have to be deliberate and thoughtful about as we look out. That doesn’t necessarily mean Opening Day 2026.”
The MLB trade market is heating up, and one of the hottest names is Jarren Duran. According to Boston Globe Sports, the Los Angeles Dodgers are considering the possibility of acquiring the outfielder from the Boston Red Sox.
Keith Law on the Hollywoody Seattle – Nats trade: ($$$$$)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6868900/2025/12/07/harry-ford-jose-ferrer-nationals-mariners-trade/
Per Heyman:
Red Sox are among teams interested in D-Backs superstar 2B Ketel Marte. Gives them another star option after incumbent, coveted Bregman and Bichette. Mariners, Pirates, Rays, Tigers, Jays among others that fit KM.
read this morning dodgers and kike are interested in a a reunion. I’m just not sure both he and rojas are going to be together again, not immediately. Everyone loves Kike! he’s been fantastic for the dodgers. BUT, as Bear noted earlier , he didn’t hit hardly at all this past season. Would it be fair to say it depends on who the dodgers sign regarding Kike coming back. Now I’m not saying they should or shouldn’t, i’m just pointing out that he’s absolutely not just dead weight. He is less productive than before. His defense is still very good where ever they stick him. Who do they keep, kike or Call? kike is more versatile, but isn’t Call better at the plate now? as i said, to me it all depends upon what moves they make this winter. If Donovan comes, i believe Kike goes. If Teo leaves, maybe he stays. if Bellinger comes, he goes. If Bichette comes, he might stay. Lots of combinations could determine Kikes future with the Dodgers. I’m a fan. it would becsad if he left, but he left before and ended up coming back! You never know!
Congrats Mark! was pulling for the Hoosiers! Sadly , the wahoos couldn’t handle Duke again. hopefully Indiana wins it all! Cignetti is the MAN!!!
God bless all the great people we lost at Pearl Harbor. We should never forget all our fallen heroes and the ones still protecting us here and abroad! Thank you all!
From USA Today:
Welcome to Major League Baseball’s annual winter meetings, the Super Bowl of trade rumors where thousands will be under one circus tent – well, technically a hotel – where everyone and anyone will be subject of speculation.
Agents will spread rumors at the meetings that half the teams in baseball are interested in their client. Teams will spread rumors that they’re interested in other free agents simply to put pressure on the player they really want. And players will spread rumors that they have interest in playing for every team just to drive up the price.
The cold-hearted truth is that there will be less than a handful of trades, mostly small in stature, and no more than one or two high-profile free agents will actually sign before the meetings break up Wednesday after the Rule 5 Draft.
“I think it’s going to be a boring winter meetings,” one veteran GM said. “I just can’t see much happening after talking to teams this past week.”
1–I’m still on the Buxton bandwagon. I understand the comparison to Robert Jr., but the fact is that Buxton is coming off his best, healthiest season of his injury-marred career. Is it a risk? Sure–but a relatively affordable one at 3 years for $15m each. Belli is a couple of years younger and usually healthier, but he did most of his damage last season at Yankee Stadium. Outside of NY, he was a fairly average performer. By comparison, Buxton outhit both Tucker and Belli, who each will command much larger contracts that will add to the luxury tax.
2–$$$ saved by dealing for Buxton can then be invested in Bader as either a starting CF (with Buxton shifting to LF) or a 4th outfielder.
3–If the Twins won’t play ball, I’m leaning toward Duran and the possibiity of a Teo-Duran-Pages outfield. But Teo-Buxton-Pages would be sweeter, with Bader in the wings.
Should Teo stay or should he go? I feel conflicted. But iI he stays, he should go to LF.
Indiana University Rules!
STFU!