12up Logo

3 Players the Dodgers Need to Sign Once MLB Lifts Freeze

By Steven Kubitza

The Los Angeles Dodgers should bring back Russell Martin.
The Los Angeles Dodgers should bring back Russell Martin. / Will Newton/Getty Images

Los Angeles Dodgers fans will actually get to see Mookie Betts play for the team after initial fears there would not be a season and he would head to the open market. He stands out as the team's top addition this offseason, alongside David Price.

The Dodgers are once again World Series contenders and will look to finish the job in 2020's shortened season. Adding a few players who remain available would help the cause.

3. Jerry Blevins

Jerry Blevins spent 2019 with the Atlanta Braves.
Jerry Blevins spent 2019 with the Atlanta Braves. / Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Jerry Blevins signed with the San Francisco Giants this offseason and was cut a few months back. The 36-year-old reliever is coming off a 2019 season with the Atlanta Braves in which he posted a 3.90 ERA in 45 games. His 10.3 K/9 in limited action should translate well to a shortened season. The Dodgers could use all the bullpen help they can get after continuing to rely on Clayton Kershaw over other relievers in key postseason situations.

2. Danny Salazar

Danny Salazar has struggled to stay healthy.
Danny Salazar has struggled to stay healthy. / David Maxwell/Getty Images

Signing Danny Salazar is a bit of a wild card. He missed all of 2018 and made one start in 2019 before hitting the injured list yet again. The goal here is to get him signed and give him all the time he needs to get healthy again. Salazar was an All-Star in 2016 and has had nearly a full year to recover from his injuries. This could even pay off in the future and would be the ultimate low-risk move for the Dodgers. Los Angeles would be getting a pitcher with a career 3.82 ERA who could both start and come out of the bullpen.

1. Russell Martin

The Los Angeles Dodgers need to re-sign Russell Martin.
The Los Angeles Dodgers need to re-sign Russell Martin. / Rob Carr/Getty Images

Re-signing Russell Martin for one more season should be a no-brainer for the Dodgers. The veteran catcher returned to Los Angeles last season and appeared in 83 games. Bringing him back also helps the entire pitching staff and he can essentially serve as another coach during what will be a unique season. Will Smith and Austin Barnes can still hold down the position, while Martin could get pinch-hit opportunities or starts with one particular pitcher. His experience is too valuable to avoid.