{"id":91871,"date":"2024-12-11T18:55:06","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T23:55:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=91871"},"modified":"2024-12-11T18:55:06","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T23:55:06","slug":"four-major-needs-2025-dodgers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/12\/11\/four-major-needs-2025-dodgers\/","title":{"rendered":"The Four Major Needs for the 2025 Dodgers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fresh off the heels of their 2024 World Series win<\/a>, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to retool for the 2025 season. Here are the four areas they need to address in order to repeat as champions.<\/p>\n

The Dodgers’ Four Biggest Needs for 2025<\/h2>\n

1. An Infielder<\/h3>\n

This need may seem superfluous. After all, Mookie Betts<\/a> is moving back<\/a> to shortstop next year. This preserves Gavin Lux<\/a>‘s spot at second, with Max Muncy<\/a> at third, and Freddie Freeman<\/a> at first. In addition, National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player<\/a> Tommy Edman<\/a> was signed to be the everyday center fielder.<\/p>\n

Case closed? Maybe not. The reason Los Angeles is moving Betts back to the infield was to prevent “wear and tear” on the perennial All-Star’s body. Yet, he is moving to one of the most physically and mentally demanding spots on the diamond. Yes, they have Miguel Rojas<\/a> to play backup shortstop<\/a>, but it would be beneficial to explore other options if Betts continues to struggle defensively. Perhaps even moving him to second base would be the best answer. But time will tell.<\/p>\n

2. Right-Handed Hitting Corner Outfielder<\/h3>\n

With Betts moving back to the infield, and Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez<\/a> testing the free-agent market<\/a>, Los Angeles has two outfield spots open. They did sign<\/a> Michael Conforto<\/a> who is a nice addition capable of providing pop. However, he is a left-handed bat in a lineup that is now lefty-heavy. There is no doubt that Andy Pages<\/a> will get some time in a corner outfield, which is his natural position, but it may be as a platoon player with Conforto. If the Dodgers, who are said to be still in the market for Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez<\/a>, don’t re-sign him<\/a>, would they pivot and sign or trade for someone else?<\/p>\n

3. A Bullpen Arm<\/h3>\n

The Dodgers just re-signed<\/a> reliever and World Series hero Blake Treinen<\/a>, who may be one of the top relief arms in baseball. However, the rumor is they may not be done. Daniel Hudson<\/a>, who retired<\/a> at the end of 2024 needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n

The pitchers they seem to be pursuing are high-leverage relievers. Devin Williams<\/a> would cost the Dodgers more than money, as he is under contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. Another prime reliever is free agent left-hander Tanner Scott<\/a>, who would be a reliable late-inning option. It remains to be seen if Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman would spring for the money to land Scott, as he has been reticent to spend lavishly on the bullpen in the past. But if Friedman can swing a deal, look for him to pounce.<\/p>\n

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The Dodgers are bringing back Blake Treinen, but it sounds like they are still looking to add more arms to the back of their bullpen as well \ud83d\udc40<\/p>\n

per @FabianArdaya<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vrC41mHJ5S<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 9, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n