The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back an All-Star roster in hopes of a third consecutive World Series title. But there is one area the front office must address.
Every team has a need, including teams that win-back-to-back titles. That is the case for the Los Angeles Dodgers this winter, as hard as it may be to believe.
It is no surprise the Dodgers are star studded at nearly every position. It is the reason for their success. But even in the midst of a seemingly dynastic run, they could still use help, namely in their bullpen.
Recently, Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly discussed the need for a late-inning reliever in Southern California.
"Roki Sasaki helped the Dodgers get by late in games during the postseason, but he's going to be a starter. And the bullpen in Los Angeles is clearly the biggest obstacle standing in the way of a three-peat," Kelly wrote. "Alex Vesia will be back after missing the World Series due to the tragic passing of his baby. The Dodgers can hope for a rebound from Tanner Scott, who had a disastrous first season after signing a four-year, $72 million deal. But the Dodgers would be best betting on Vesia, Scott and Blake Treinen to be set-up men for an elite closer."
"By all accounts the Mets are still in play for Edwin Diaz even after signing Devin Williams. That would be a coup, though, if the Dodgers could lure him away. More likely might be signing two-time All-Star Robert Suarez away from the division-rival Padres."
In a sport with no salary cap, it is unsurprising that the Dodgers could target Diaz. The New York Mets join Los Angeles among the top three spots in payroll, so they could very easily pay the amount needed to keep Diaz put. However, a better chance at a ring and a chance to join an All-Star cast may swing Diaz to the West Coast.
The 31-year-old has cemented himself as one of the best relievers in Major League Baseball. Last season, Diaz appeared in 62 games and posted a 1.63 ERA, a 0.87 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 66.1 innings of work. Without failure, Citi Field would erupt when the song Narco would accompany Diaz's emergence from the bullpen. When he took the mound, the fans knew what kind of talent they were about to witness.
Diaz in a Dodgers uniform would surely embitter critics of the club's propensity to spend big for the best talent. But if Los Angeles wants to make it three-in-a-row, Diaz might be the one who tips the scales.