Dodgers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training on Wednesday. As we count down to the opening of camp, we’re doing a breakdown of the different position groups on their roster. Today, we conclude the five-part series with a look at the infield. Previously: catchers, outfielders, bullpen and starting rotation
2020 RECAP
Even though first baseman Max Muncy had a down season (a .192 batting average and .720 OPS after a broken finger late in the preseason) and second baseman Gavin Lux failed to make the roster until August, the Dodgers’ offense led the majors in runs scored. Shortstop Corey Seager had a lot to do with that. A year further removed from hip and elbow surgeries, Seager hit .307 with 15 home runs, a team-leading 41 RBIs and a .943 OPS during the shortened regular season. He was even better during their postseason run to a World Series title. He batted .328 with a 1.171 OPS, eight home runs and 20 RBIs in the team’s 18 postseason games and became the eighth player in baseball history to win the NLCS and World Series MVP awards in the same year. At the same time, third baseman Justin Turner followed up a .307 average in the regular season by becoming the franchise’s leader in postseason hits, doubles, home runs and RBIs.
HOW IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW
A large question mark loomed over the left side of the Dodgers’ infield for most of the winter. Turner’s announcement on Saturday cleared that up. Now the question mark moves to shortstop where Seager will be jockeying for position in next winter’s uber-talented group of free agent shortstops – a group that could include Carlos Correa, Javy Baez, Trevor Story and Francisco Lindor as well as Seager. Even with Turner back in the fold, Edwin Rios figures to play an even bigger role in 2021, either spelling the 36-year-old Turner at third base or getting time at first base. Chris Taylor remains a valuable role player and Lux will get a chance to re-set the skills that got him ranked the top prospect in baseball after tearing through Triple-A in 2019.
THE NEXT LAYER
Taylor’s versatility is even more valuable to the Dodgers with Hernandez gone. Zach McKinstry and Nuese will have opportunities to fill utility roles as well. Veteran journeyman Carlos Asuaje also signed a minor-league contract to add depth. Top picks in the 2019 draft, Michael Busch and Kody Hoese are on the way but are years from reaching the big leagues.
MOVES THEY COULD MAKE
Signing a right-handed hitting, ginger-bearded third baseman was the move to make. They did it. It took nearly all winter. But they did it.
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