The Los Angeles Dodgers’ offseason has officially kicked off, and with it comes some notable decisions and speculation about their future. The team has made a significant move regarding one of its most prominent pitchers, Walker Buehler, who was notably absent during the postseason due to recovery from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers have decided not to extend a qualifying offer to Buehler, which means he will become a free agent. This decision marks a key turning point for Buehler, who was a crucial part of the Dodgers’ pitching staff during their World Series championship run in 2020. While he was a fixture in the rotation before his injury, the team’s decision not to offer him a qualifying deal could signal a shift in direction for the Dodgers’ pitching staff moving forward.
The qualifying offer deadline passed on Monday, and while many expected the Dodgers to extend the offer to Buehler, the team instead chose not to. By doing so, they avoid committing to a one-year, $19.65 million deal for Buehler, especially with his injury history and uncertain return timeline. Buehler, who closed out the final inning of the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series win, is now free to negotiate with any team, potentially at a lower rate due to the uncertainty surrounding his recovery. The decision to part ways with Buehler could create a significant hole in the Dodgers’ rotation, but it also opens up possibilities for fresh additions as they look to strengthen the pitching staff for the upcoming season.
In an unexpected twist, Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, placed a congratulatory call to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts following the team’s 2020 World Series victory. This came to light recently, with Harris—joined by her husband, Doug Emhoff, a lifelong Dodgers fan—expressing her excitement and praise for the team’s triumph. The call, which took place after the World Series win, was a sign of the Dodgers’ cultural significance, with their success resonating even at the highest levels of government. While the Dodgers have not won another World Series since 2020, the team’s star power and influence continue to shine both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, Willy Adames, the Milwaukee Brewers’ All-Star shortstop, is the subject of increasing speculation regarding a move to Los Angeles this offseason. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden predicts that the Dodgers will be one of the key suitors for Adames in free agency. The Brewers extended a qualifying offer to Adames, which means that if another team signs him, Milwaukee would receive a compensatory draft pick. However, Adames has been one of the most consistent shortstops in the league, and his bat could be a major asset for the Dodgers, who have been in need of a more reliable option at shortstop in recent years.
Adames would bring a strong defensive presence and a solid bat to the Dodgers’ lineup, adding another potential star to their already stacked roster. His ability to play solid defense while contributing offensively could provide a significant upgrade over some of the team’s current options. As the Dodgers continue to assess their needs, Adames could fit well alongside core players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, further boosting an already potent lineup. If the Dodgers do pursue Adames, it would likely signal the start of an active offseason, with the front office aiming to strengthen areas of need and maintain their position as one of the most formidable teams in Major League Baseball.
With the offseason officially underway, Dodgers fans are eagerly awaiting more developments. Whether it’s addressing the pitching rotation, adding a star shortstop, or making other moves, the front office will likely be active in the coming weeks. The Buehler decision has created a bit of uncertainty regarding the pitching staff, but the Dodgers’ track record suggests they will find a way to reinforce their roster, as they always seem to do. As the team enters another offseason, the excitement surrounding potential trades, signings, and other moves promises to keep the conversation buzzing in the weeks to come.
In summary, while the Dodgers have made the decision to move on from Walker Buehler with the non-qualifying offer, the offseason is still full of possibilities. With a call from Kamala Harris underscoring the team’s cultural relevance, and the potential signing of Willy Adames as an exciting prospect, there is much to watch as Los Angeles continues to shape its roster for the 2024 season. The next few months could be pivotal in determining whether the Dodgers remain the dominant force in the NL or if other teams start to close the gap.