1 Manny Machado backup plan for every team that was interested
By Tim Boyle
2. Manny Machado backup plan for the Dodgers: Develop Miguel Vargas, prioritize pitching next winter
Manny Machado didn’t stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers for long before signing with the Padres prior to the 2019 season. Seeing him become available again could have been their opportunity for a reunion. Instead, they’ll have to look elsewhere for help. Like the Mets, getting the most they can out of Miguel Vargas should be their backup plan.
Vargas may not end up as the future third baseman of the Dodgers. He has seen action in the outfield where he may ultimately end up. It’s a surprisingly similar situation as the Mets are facing with Baty.
Figuring out where Vargas belongs is important for the Dodgers who, next offseason, can use him at third base and pair him alongside a veteran. Someone like Gio Urshela could be a fine defender to have on the roster. It’s not glamorous. It can allow the Dodgers to rebuild their starting rotation.
Something about this year’s Dodgers starting rotation doesn’t have the same pull as recent ones. Clayton Kershaw’s uncertain future, Walker Buehler coming off of an injury, and the wild card named Noah Syndergaard should have the Dodgers focusing on their rotation. This could mean fighting the Mets for Shohei Ohtani. In fact, it’s precisely what they should do.
If Los Angeles does lose that battle, stealing Max Scherzer from the Mets and trading for Corbin Burnes and immediately extending him should be two moves to make.