Andrew Friedman: Dodgers Looking To Add Position Player

The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed their need for a high-leverage relief pitcher by signing former New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract.

The Dodgers have now seemingly set their sights on adding an outfielder and recently claimed Michael Siani off waivers from the Atlanta Braves.

Given his glove-first profile, Siani will likely only serve as depth for the Dodgers rather than play a significant role. The team will almost certainly make a more notable move at some point this offseason, with plenty of options to choose from.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman specified that the team is looking for a position player who thrives on both sides of the ball, via SportsNet LA:

“I think adding a position player, and ideally someone that’s really good on both sides of the ball. We have some positional flexibility, so we’re not locked into, ‘It has to be this one specific spot,’ which just increases the chances. There are a lot of interesting guys, both on the free agent market and trade market, that we’re having a lot of active conversations on. We feel good about something lining up, but we may have to be a little bit patient.”

The Dodgers have mostly been linked to outfielders in their search for a position player, with Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger among the possibilities.

L.A. would presumably only be open to adding either player if they are willing to accept a short-term contract, which seems unlikely unless their respective markets never truly develop.

The Dodgers have also been connected to several players on the trade market, including the Cleveland Guardians’ Steven Kwan and Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Donovan might make the most sense for the Dodgers given his ability to play all over the field, but a recent report suggested that the San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners are the frontrunners to acquire him.

Could Dodgers add an infielder?

Although Friedman stopped short of saying the Dodgers are only looking to add an outfielder, that would appear to be the most likely course for the team.

Mookie Betts (shortstop), Freddie Freeman (first base) and Max Muncy (third base) are locks to remain at their respective positions, while second base figures to be split between Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas and Hyeseong Kim.