Dodgers' Mookie Betts: Will be everyday second baseman
Rotowire
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday in an interview on MLB Network that Betts will be the team's everyday second baseman in 2024.
The Dodgers had confirmed previously that Betts was going to play extensively at the keystone again during the upcoming season, but Roberts' statement Monday was more definitive in that second base will be the 31-year-old's regular spot in the field. Betts made 107 appearances in right field and 70 appearances at second base in 2023, in addition to 16 appearances at shortstop. Though Roberts indicated that Betts will still see the occasional start in right field versus left-handed pitching, he looks like he'll mostly be on the dirt moving forward. Jason Heyward is slated to draw most of the starts in right field when the Dodgers face righties.
Kelly signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers on Saturday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.
The Dodgers declined Kelly's $9.5 million club option earlier in the offseason, but the team will retain the 35-year-old reliever -- likely at a lower salary. Kelly put up a 4.12 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 39.1 innings in 2023, though his numbers significantly improved after being traded to Los Angeles from the White Sox in July (1.74 ERA, 0.87 WHIP in 10.1 innings). It's unlikely Kelly receives many save opportunities given his injury history and the Dodgers' already-strong bullpen, though he could still be used fairly often in high-leverage situations.
Dodgers' Jason Heyward: Reaches deal to stay in L.A.
Rotowire
Heyward agreed Monday with the Dodgers on a one-year, $9 million contract, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.
Heyward and the Dodgers will run it back after he was surprisingly productive in 2023, slashing .269/.340/.473 with 15 home runs and 40 RBI over 377 plate appearances. His .813 OPS this past season was his highest mark since 2012, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. The 34-year-old should fill a similar role again in 2024, starting in right field against righties while occasionally filling in as a center fielder. The Dodgers' decision to bring back Heyward also means that Mookie Betts will continue to see more action at second base.
Dodgers' Yency Almonte: Avoids arbitration with LAD
Rotowire
Almonte signed a one-year, $1.9 million contract with the Dodgers on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
Almonte regressed last season following his dominant first year with the Dodgers in 2022, but $1.9 million is a drop in the bucket for Los Angeles. He should be part of the Opening Day bullpen mix in 2024.
Salazar signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Thursday.
Salazar posted an 8.03 ERA in eight appearances for the Reds and a 6.65 ERA in 36 appearances in the minors in 2023. The Dodgers see something in him, though, which often can be a good sign. He figures to begin the 2024 season at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Dodgers re-signed Vanasco to a one-year, $900,000 contract Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Vanasco elected to become a free agent earlier this month, but he'll return to the Dodgers on a major-league deal following a short tour of the open market. The 25-year-old right-hander has yet to make his MLB debut, but he posted an impressive 1.24 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 29 innings this past season between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City after being acquired from the Rangers in June. He should be a candidate for the Opening Day bullpen in Los Angeles next spring.
