4 Dodgers offseason mistakes so far, and how to fix them
By Tim Boyle
3) Dodgers offseason mistake: Signing Noah Syndergaard
The Dodgers decided Noah Syndergaard was good enough last year with the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies to make him a part of their rotation in 2023. If you have your doubts, you’re not alone. The once mighty Thor is already 30 and after missing almost all of 2020-2021, looked much more average in 2022.
Syndergaard didn’t seem to fit in with what the team needed for their rotation. He is a risk. Are they really in a position to take too many of them?
To fix this offseason mistake, the Dodgers need to be open to two things. One is moving Syndergaard to the bullpen if he doesn’t perform. This was a team that paid David Price a lot of money to pitch in relief for them. Syndergaard isn’t nearly as accomplished and whether he likes it or not, it could be the role he finishes the season with.
Los Angeles definitely could use some more starting pitcher depth. A swingman to be the bullpen’s long-man to start the season and make emergency starts would be perfect. Former Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling could have been ideal. With him unavailable, where can the Dodgers go?
In free agency, signing one of the remaining starting pitchers whose best days are behind him could make some sense. Danny Duffy is a guy who has had success as a starter and reliever. Although there is an injury concern with him after missing all of 2022, he might be someone to buy low on and stash on the 40-man roster. This won’t solve any Syndergaard concerns, but does give the Dodgers somewhere to turn if it turns out to be a bust.