Winter Meetings: Ranking The Dodgers’ Offseason Needs

1. Pitching

The bullpen’s struggles last season have left many clamoring for the Dodgers to add a dependable reliever or two. Joel Peralta may mitigate some of the issues that arose and Andrew Miller would’ve been another welcome addition, but the Dodgers weren’t keen on signing him to a long-term deal.

Non-tendered relievers Kris Medlen and Alexi Ogando could pursued or free agent Pat Neshek; none of the aforementioned pitchers would command too much of a financial commitment, which is something the Dodgers front office is hoping to avoid with their bullpen.

While the bullpen needs to be addressed, so too does the starting rotation. The Dodgers need to find a fifth starter and their financial resources could allow for that to be an elite pitcher a la Jon Lester.

Max Scherzer and James Shields remain free agents as well, though signing either would result in the Dodgers losing their first-round pick in the 2015 draft. Another option of course is trading for Cole Hamels and in a package that perhaps contains Jimmy Rollins to address the shortstop need or catcher Carlos Ruiz.

Whether it be in the form of Hamels, Lester or another starting pitcher, the Dodgers need to make a move also as part of preparation for what may lie ahead. Zack Greinke will be able to opt out after the 2015 and though he could re-sign, acquiring a pitcher this winter will give the Dodgers added insurance should Greinke move on.