Dodgers: 3 replacements for David Price if he doesn’t pitch this season
The Dodgers may need to add another starting pitcher if David Price decided to opt out of the 2021 season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a big splash last offseason by trading for Mookie Betts. David Price also came over in that deal, and fans may have forgotten about him after he opted out of the 2020 season.
He was all set to return, but COVID-19 has not exactly gone away. Manager Dave Roberts recently said he is not sure of the pitcher’s status for next season.
Roberts said he isn't 100% sure whether David Price will join the team in 2021.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) December 17, 2020
There is still uncertainty at this point. The only benefit of another opt-out would be the team being able to use that money elsewhere. But his absence was not in the 2021 plans, and the Dodgers could look outside the organization for a replacement. Let’s take a look at a few pitchers who could show up to fill in.
3. Corey Kluber
Corey Kluber’s stock has taken a major drop. He is a two-time Cy Young Award winner who has now only made eight combined starts in the past two seasons. That is obviously a cause for concern.
The Dodgers could swoop in and land Kluber on a one-year deal. The risk is worth it given the past success Kluber has had with the Cleveland Indians. Only two years ago, he logged 207 innings and finished third in American League Cy Young voting. He also made his third career All-Star Game.
Top teams are connected to the former ace, and the Dodgers should consider him as an option if Price is wavering. Kluber could even be eased back into action and be ready to thrive during the summer.
The veteran is not going to command a big price tag, and giving him a shot is definitely worth it was a team that won’t be broken if one contract doesn’t pan out.