The Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant number of moves this offseason to address their starting rotation both now and in the future, while also upgrading on an All-Star quality bat from last year.
With J.D. Martinez becoming a free agent, there could have been a huge dip for the Dodgers’ historic 2023 offense, but they elevated the position in signing Shohei Ohtani. The two-time MVP hit .304/.412/.654 with eight triples, 44 home runs, 102 runs scored and 95 RBI in 135 games last season.
By slotting Ohtani between Mookie Betts in the leadoff spot and Freddie Freeman in the three hole, the Dodgers have one of the best trios in Major League Baseball.
Their top three have a combined four MVP Awards, with Betts and Freeman both continuing to produce at game-changing clips.
The left field position was one that provided a grab bag experience in 2023 as David Peralta is the key departure from that group. His platoon with Chris Taylor is expected to be replaced with the acquisition of veteran, power-hitting Teoscar Hernández.
Meanwhile, Taylor should see more time in his utilityman role, which made him such a valuable player for the Dodgers in years past.
Hernández’s one-year, $23.5 million contract is more than the projected average annual value but comes without a multi-year committment. The 31-year-old has clubbed 147 home runs since the 2018 season, and provides fairly solid splits against right-handers, which makes Hernández an everyday player.
Hernández has also maintained his prowess against left-handers, as he owns a career 136 wRC+. He’s likely to benefit from the talent in the Dodgers lineup, which should provide Hernández with an uptick in run producing.
The Dodgers are also projected to have Gavin Lux return to the lineup after missing the entirety of last season. After Lux suffered a knee injury in Spring Training, the Dodgers primarily relied on Miguel Rojas at shortstop but also used Taylor and Betts.
Lux was seen as the everyday shortstop heading into the year, and a clean bill of health has him on track to regain as much optimism in 2024.
The Dodgers lineup will be mixed around some throughout the season, but they have a strong core in place against both right- and left-handed pitching.
Potential Dodgers lineups
Lineup vs. RHP
2B: Mookie Betts
DH: Shohei Ohtani
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
3B: Max Muncy
RF: Jason Heyward
LF: Teoscar Hernández
CF: James Outman
SS: Gavin Lux
Lineup vs. LHP
2B: Mookie Betts
DH: Shohei Ohtani
1B: Freddie Freeman
C: Will Smith
RF: Teoscar Hernández
3B: Max Muncy
LF: Chris Taylor
CF: James Outman or Manuel Margot
SS: Gavin Lux or Miguel Rojas
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