3 Free Agents the Dodgers Should Target in the Offseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers were the overwhelming favorites to come out of the National League and win their third consecutive pennant, but they were ousted in the NLDS by the Washington Nationals.

That's an upset if there ever was one, and instead of rolling it back next year, the Dodgers should seriously consider making a splash in free agency considering their World Series window won't be open for much longer.

Here are three free agents the Dodgers should target in the offseason.

3. LHP Will Smith

Kenley Jansen will probably still be the guy they hand the ball to in the ninth next year, as it's unlikely that he'll opt out and enter the free agent market. However, that doesn't mean the Dodgers shouldn't go after an arm with closer experience. Will Smith was an All-Star in 2019 for the division-rival Giants, and in 63 appearances he posted a 2.76 ERA to go along with 34 saves. Smith has great numbers in his career at Dodger Stadium (2.16 ERA in 17 appearances), and if Jansen has a rocky stretch, the veteran southpaw could lock it down in the ninth too.

2. LHP Cole Hamels

Simply, the Dodgers need starting pitching. Both Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill are free agents, and there's a chance neither of them are retained. To replace one of them, a veteran like Cole Hamels fits perfectly. His 2019 season didn't end the way he wanted, but overall he was one of the Chicago Cubs' best starters, posting a 3.81 ERA over 27 starts. Oh, and doesn't he look like someone who should pitch for the Dodgers?

1. RHP Zack Wheeler

While Hamels would fill a rotation spot, Zack Wheeler could do that and then some. Wheeler has all the tools necessary to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, which he showed at times with the Mets. All he needs to do is learn how to be consistent, and learning from the likes of Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler could elevate Wheeler to new heights. The only question here is, would the Dodgers be willing to drop big bucks on the right-hander?