Fansided

Breaking down the best free-agent targets for the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 15: Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) laughs with the St. Louis Cardinals third base coach after a foul ball came in between them in the third inning of Game Four of the NLCS between the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park. (Photo by Jonathan Newton /The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 15: Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) laughs with the St. Louis Cardinals third base coach after a foul ball came in between them in the third inning of Game Four of the NLCS between the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park. (Photo by Jonathan Newton /The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 01: Drew Pomeranz #15 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws in pitch against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning the National League Wild Card game at Nationals Park on October 01, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 01: Drew Pomeranz #15 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws in pitch against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning the National League Wild Card game at Nationals Park on October 01, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

3. Drew Pomeranz

Update: On Nov. 27, Pomeranz and the San Diego Padres, reportedly agreed to a deal.

All throughout their steady stream of NL West titles, playoff series wins and World Series appearances since 2013, building a truly elite bullpen has been a struggle for the Dodgers’ front office. The Dodgers have always been able to cobble together strong bullpens and Kenley Jansen has kept the ninth inning on lockdown, but the team has consistently had trouble with the middle innings, especially in the postseason. On more than one occasion, Clayton Kershaw was left in a few batters too long because his middle relievers could not be trusted in a close game.

The Dodgers have had some notable big misses among their free-agent relief signings, like Joe Kelly’s three-year, $25-million deal last winter. A deep farm system has helped provide depth for the bullpen, and former top prospect Julio Urias excelled in a relief role last year. Jansen, however, had the worst season of his career and continues to trend in the wrong direction as he enters year four of his five-year contract.

The bullpen hasn’t cost the Dodgers anything in the regular season, but they need a multi-inning weapon to deploy in the postseason. Every other legitimate contender has one. Dave Roberts should not be forced to push Kershaw into a relief role he is not suited for in high-leverage situations.

Left-hander Drew Pomeranz is the best option to fill the multi-inning setup need for the Dodgers. The 31-year-old made the transition to the bullpen last year and had immediate success. Making the switch likely saved his career and made him some serious money. Pomeranz pitched in 26.1 innings for the Milwaukee Brewers after the trade deadline and struck out 45. He added two scoreless innings in the NL Wild Card Game. If Kelly signed for $25 million last year, Pomeranz should be looking for at least $10 million more based on his upside as a reliever. An offseason where the Dodgers brought back Rich Hill and signed Pomeranz and Josh Donaldson would be incredible.

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