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2024 Dodgers Truths After 2023 – Clayton Kershaw, Gavin Lux, Walker Buehler and more

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We are going to take a preliminary look at the 2024 Dodgers. The 2023 Dodgers ended up even worse than the 2022 Dodgers. Early exits have occurred in three of the last five seasons. It has truly been an embarrassment for them and hugely disappointing for the fans.

The offense, “led” by Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, failed with just one hit between the top two batters in the batting order.

This will be the sixth season I have written a “Dodgers Truths” article. Just compare it to last season’s article and you will be blown away by the changes over the last twelve months. To free agency alone the Dodgers lost Trea Turner, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, Tyler Anderson, Chris Martin, and Andrew Heaney, among others. They were replaced by J.D. Martinez, David Peralta, Noah Syndergaard, Jason Heyward, and Miguel Rojas from other major league teams. There was also a huge influx of youth with James Outman and Miguel Vargas getting substantial playing time. On the mound, significant contributions were received from Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, and Emmet Sheehan.

2023 Truths

Julio Urías Is Gone

We all know why.

Clayton Kershaw Might Be Done

After a layoff with a shoulder issue, Clayton Kershaw returned and had good numbers. However, it seems that it was smoke and mirrors.

It all played out with his career-worst performance in the first inning of the 2023 playoffs for the Dodgers. More than ever, I wonder if his health will force him to retire.

There Is No Ace In The Starting Rotation

Bobby Miller in Spring Training 2021

There are many possibilities for 2024 but there is no real ace, yet. Between the returning Walker Buehler, Bobby Miller, and Ryan Pepiot, there might be a candidate. Before he was hurt, Buehler was that guy, especially in the post-season. Coming off Tommy John surgery, especially a second one, there are no guarantees.

“Organizational Failure”

Those are the words of Andrew Friedman. Losing in the first round in three of the last five years, is awful. Players failed while management did not learn anything from the 2022 early trip to Cancun. In fact, it was even worse. Clearly the players were not prepared and too many looked lost. The Diamondbacks punched them in the first round as Kershaw was left out there to give up six runs.

2024 Truths

Dave Roberts Is The Manager

As I said last year:

Like it or not, Dave Roberts is the manager of the team. I do not see that changing until Roberts decides he no longer wants to manage the Dodgers.

Gavin Lux Will Be Back In 2024

Gavin Lux going down for the season in Spring Training of 2023 was a huge blow. Fortunately, Miguel Rojas filled in well. Getting Lux back, with his hitting skills, could be a huge upgrade to the starting lineup.

The Starting Rotation Should Be Better

Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, Emmet Sheehan, Michael Grove, and Gavin Stone all had time with the big club in 2023. They should all be considered as candidates for the 2024 starting rotation. During his post-season press conference, Andrew Friedman said that they will be going after starting rotation help. It could be via trade or free agency. Other internal candidates are led by Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw if he comes back. Tony Gonsolin is out for all of 2024 and Dustin May might be back in mid-2024. However, I see May as a reliever in the future.

Shohei Ohtani Is A Free Agent

Max Muncy Will Not Be A Free Agent

After reaching performance option escalators, the Dodgers have an option for $14M. There is no doubt they will exercise the option. Still, they could trade him. His defense at third base is questionable but he is still a huge threat at the plate.

Other Team Options

Free Agents

With 2023 salary:

Michael Busch – Play Him or Trade Him

Michael Busch got a bit of playing time in the major leagues but was never really given a full shot. He played a lot of third base at Triple-A and improved over the season. Is that position his future? Personally, I would have targeted him for left field but he was never given that opportunity.

Youth Will Continue To Be Served

James Outman will go into 2024 as the starting centerfielder. Miguel Vargas will be given another chance to play second base. As we mentioned earlier, Gavin Lux will be back to play shortstop with Miguel Rojas taking a utility position. Probably the next young position player to get promoted will be Jorbit Vivas with Diego Cartaya needing a bounce-back season.

2024 Dodgers Pitching Outlook

Starting Pitchers

There are only two left-handers in this list and one of them is Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers are loaded with right-handed starters with a few becoming parts of the bullpen. There is a lot of youth and a few need to be traded to give them a chance with another team. There are just too many qualified pitchers or close to ready. It is from this abundance that the Dodgers might trade for an established starter.

The Bullpen

Every season the Dodgers add a few names to the bullpen as they let more expensive free agents move on. The 2024 Dodgers will be no different. They are looking for lightning-in-a-bottle from the scrap heap and starters that will not have room in the 2024 rotation. Evan Phillips is the high-leverage reliever while Brusdar Graterol really had an amazing second half. Caleb Ferguson and Alex Vesia were inconsistent but each showed flashes of brilliance. Look for many on this list to be with other organizations in 2024.

2024 Dodgers Position Player Outlook

Catcher

Will Smith has only two more seasons before he reaches free agency. The Dodgers need to make a decision about Smith as they cannot afford to lose him for just another draft pick. Austin Barnes will return as the backup catcher, especially if Kershaw comes back. Hunter Feduccia deserves a chance but it does not look like the Dodgers will be the team that gives it to him. He should be claimed in the Rule 5 Draft.

Infielders

  • Freddie Freeman – 1B
  • Max Muncy – 3B/2B
  • Chris Taylor – all
  • Gavin Lux – SS/2B
  • Miguel Rojas – SS
  • Kiké Hernandez – all – free agent
  • Amed Rosario – SS/2B – free agent
  • Michael Busch – 3B/2B/1B
  • Miguel Vargas – 2B/3B
  • Jorbit Vivas – 2B/3B
  • Kolten Wong – 2B – free agent

Freddie Freeman is the first baseman. The rest is questionable. Hopefully, Gavin Lux will take over shortstop. Will Miguel Vargas get another chance? Do the Dodgers really want Max Muncy as third base? Will Mookie Betts continue to play a lot of second base? What about Michael Busch? Chris Taylor had a nice season and it was great to have Kiké Hernandez back but he is a free agent. Watch out for Jorbit Vivas.

Outfielders

  • Mookie Betts – RF/2B
  • James Outman – CF
  • Jonny Deluca – all
  • David Peralta – LF
  • J.D. Martinez – DH
  • Jason Heyward – RF – free agent
  • Jake Marisnick – free agent
  • Andy Pages – CF/RF

Depending on how much Mookie Betts plays second base, there could be a lot of room in the outfield for the 2024 Dodgers. Jason Heyward wants to come back. It would be great to see Michael Busch get a chance in left field. Andy Pages missed a lot of the 2023 with a shoulder injury. James Outman will start the season in center field and will have a chance to take another step up in his career.

2024 Dodgers Final Thoughts

The Dodgers will need stronger starting pitching to go deeper into the playoffs. The young guys are going to be better and Walker Buehler might be back. Still, I see a big trade for a starting pitcher like Corbin Burnes or Dylan Cease happening. Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Nola are two of the big free agents that will interest the Dodgers. After two miserable failures in the post-season, the 2024 Dodgers must go a lot further in October. “Organizational failure” in 2024 will cause heads to roll.

Written by Tim Rogers

Co-founder and Editor-In-Chief. Formerly an editorial writer at Dodgers Nation. Software architect by day and prospect hugger by night.

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