3 Dodgers who won’t be back next season and where they’ll go
By Drew Koch
Not everyone from the 2022 Los Angeles Dodgers is likely to return next season. Which three Dodgers will not be back in 2023 and where will they go?
The 2022 Dodgers had it all — arguably one of the best teams in regular-season history loaded with talent thanks to an ownership willing to spend and a previously-stocked farm system. Then, they ran into the San Diego Padres buzzsaw.
Padres vs Phillies isn’t the NLCS we expected, but it’s what we got.
As for the Dodgers, though, their offseason starts right now. So, what should we expect?
1. Reliever Craig Kimbrel will not be back with the Dodgers in 2023
The Los Angeles Dodgers made the bold move during the spring to move on from longtime closer Kenley Jansen and gave the job to Craig Kimbrel after trading AJ Pollock to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for the right-hander.
Kimbrel was one of the most dominant relievers for nearly a decade, but of late has looked like a shell of his former self. Kimbrel posted 22 saves in 2022, and also had five blown saves and a 3.75 ERA.
The Dodgers actually left Kimbrel off the NLDS roster, which in and of itself is a statement that the Alabama native will not be back in Hollywood next season. Kimbrel will become a free agent this winter.
At 34 years old, Kimbrel will probably be looking for a one-year “prove it” deal during the offseason and attempt to reestablish his with a bounce-back performance in 2023. But where might the eight-time All-Star call home next season?
The Boston Red Sox bullpen was among the worst in baseball last season. Red Sox relievers posted an ERA of 4.59. Only the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen had a higher ERA among AL clubs last season.