Offseason checklist: Dodgers’ needs, moves

LOS ANGELES -- The World Series champs are already favored to repeat with a roster still deep and only one high-profile free agent in Justin Turner. So, the Dodgers’ offseason was expected to be relatively quiet.

But with the division-rival Padres revamping their rotation this winter, the Dodgers countered with a big upgrade, adding defending National League Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer on a record deal.

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That major acquisition doesn’t mean the Dodgers won’t be on the hunt for the next rehab project that can bolster the bullpen or the starting rotation, which they might have acquired in Corey Knebel.

In addition to Turner, there are five other free agents the Dodgers need to re-sign or replace -- Pedro Báez (to the Astros) Kiké Hernández (Red Sox), Jake McGee, Joc Pederson (Cubs) and Alex Wood (Giants). Blake Treinen had been a free agent, but he agreed to a two-year contract (with a club option for 2023) in early January.

BIGGEST NEED

Third baseman
The positive COVID-19 test during the World Series clincher and potential discipline for violating protocols adds another layer to an already complicated situation the Dodgers face with Turner, now a free agent and the player known as “the heart and soul of the club.” Until Turner’s controversial on-field celebration, he’d been the perfect Dodger on and off the field. But 36 on Nov. 23, knees arthritic and power and defensive metrics slipping, he's an ideal designated hitter candidate if the National League has one. If Turner leaves, they need at least a candidate to platoon with Edwin Ríos. The potential of adding Francisco Lindor to the mix is moot, now that the Mets acquired the All-Star shortstop in a blockbuster deal with Cleveland.

MOVES MADE

Feb. 11: Signed and introduced Bauer to a three-year contract worth $102 million, a source told MLB.com. The pact will reportedly pay Bauer $40 million in 2021, giving the 30-year-old the highest single-year salary for any player in baseball history. Bauer could break records again in ’22, when he is set to earn $45 million. The contract has opt-outs after each of the first two years, sources told MLB.com.

Jan. 5: Re-signed right-hander Blake Treinen to a two-year contract with a club option for 2023. Treinen was a key bullpen piece in the Dodgers’ championship run last year, and he was considered one of the better free-agent relief arms available this offseason.

Dec. 29: Agreed to a two-year contract with free-agent reliever Tommy Kahnle.

Dec. 29: Acquired left-handed pitcher Garrett Cleavinger from the Phillies as part of a three-way trade, which also included the Rays. Los Angeles sent Minor League first baseman Dillon Paulson and a player to be named or cash considerations to Tampa Bay, which shipped left-hander José Alvarado to Philadelphia.

Dec. 2: Acquired veteran reliever Corey Knebel from the Brewers ahead of the non-tender deadline. The right-hander missed the 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery but has a proven track record, recording 55 saves from 2017-18 along with an All-Star nod in '17. The Dodgers also tendered contracts to all six of their arbitration-eligible players and signed reliever Scott Alexander to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.

Oct. 31: Outrighted outfielder/pinch-runner Terrance Gore to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but the 29-year-old instead elected to become a Minor League free agent.

Oct. 30: Paid $500,000 to buy out pitcher Jimmy Nelson rather than exercise a 2021 option.