KC Royals: Making the case, LA Dodgers free agents

Rounding out the Dodger free agents are an outfielder and three pitchers.

Alex Gordon’s retirement opened up Kauffman Stadium’s left field for the first time since Gordon staked his claim to it in the second half of the 2010 campaign. The KC Royals have several internal candidates for the job but, considering the revolving door the outfield’s been for the last couple of seasons, don’t be surprised if General Manager Dayton Moore brings in a veteran placeholder while they do battle.

Although Moore might think about Joc Pederson, he isn’t the answer. A Dodger since 2014, Pederson has power—he hit 36 home runs in 2019, 25 twice and 26 once—but he’s never hit higher than .249 and struggled to .190 in 2020. He’ll turn 29 next season, which means he should have several years left, but the Royals should look elsewhere or rely on their own talent. There’s plenty of it.

A trio of pitchers complete the Dodger free agent menu. Right-hander Blake Treinen is a seven-year big league veteran who spent his first season as a starter with Washington but has pitched exclusively in relief since. His highest WHIP is the 1.577 he recorded with Colorado in 2016, but he’s been below 1.000 four times and owns a 3.02 career ERA. The Royals, though, have more than enough bullpen righties.

Pedro Baez has spent all his seven seasons in Dodger blue; he’s 21-15 with a 3.03 ERA. But the fact he, like Treinen, is a right-hander means he probably isn’t a good candidate for Kansas City’s bullpen.

Jimmy Nelson is a right-handed starter preparing for his age-32 season. He’s not spectacular; in fact, his pedestrian 33-46, 4.22 career marks strongly suggest he’s not a rotation piece the Royals need.

The Dodgers may not see an exodus of free agents this winter. But if Alex Wood is willing, the Royals should be ready to talk.