Los Angeles Dodgers

Veteran starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been a staple of the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation since he made his MLB debut in 2008, but it appears there's a chance he's in a new uniform for the 2023 season.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported Tuesday that the Texas Rangers are "among the options" for Kershaw, who is a free agent this offseason.

The 34-year-old could be nearing the end of his Hall of Fame-worthy career. After the Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series last month, Kershaw said he was leaning toward returning in 2023 but didn't rule out the possibility of retirement.

A Dallas native, Kershaw lives in Texas during the offseason. The prospect of playing near home could be appealing at this stage in his career. Morosi also noted Kershaw has a strong relationship with Rangers general manager Chris Young, who is a former MLB starting pitcher.

Joining the Rangers would also reunite Kershaw with former Dodgers teammate Corey Seager, who signed with Texas last offseason. They would play under former San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who was hired by the Rangers to replace interim manager Tony Beasley after Chris Woodward was fired in August.

Kershaw is one of the best pitchers ever to take the mound for the Dodgers. The nine-time All-Star helped lead them to a World Series championship in 2020. He's a three-time National League Cy Young Award winner and was named NL MVP in 2014, when he became the first pitcher to win the award since 1968.

Morosi pointed out that the opportunity to remain a lifelong member of the Dodgers could be appealing to Kershaw. However, he still called it a "two-team conversation," affirming that the Rangers have a chance to land the legendary lefty.

Veteran third baseman Justin Turner is a native of Long Beach, California, and playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers for the last nine seasons gave him the opportunity to give back to his hometown.

For his efforts this year, Turner has been named the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, which honors players for their philanthropic efforts, per ESPN's Aiden Gonzalez.

Turner will be honored alongside the Clemente family and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred prior to Monday's World Series Game 3 between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Turner has been the Dodgers' nominee for the award in five of the last six seasons. He is the third member of the franchise to win the award, joining Steve Garvey in 1981 and Clayton Kershaw in 2012.

The 37-year-old signed with the Dodgers as a free agent in 2014 after stints with the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets. His career blossomed in Los Angeles, as he went on to become a two-time All-Star and helped lead the team to a World Series championship in 2020.

After joining the Dodgers, Turner founded the Justin Turner Foundation alongside his wife Kourtney in 2016. Per Gonzalez, the foundation aims to "support homeless veterans, children and families battling life-altering diseases and illnesses."

Turner has also been actively involved with the Dream Center, which is "an L.A.-based resource center focused on supporting the homeless through community outreach programs." He also sits on the board of directors for Children's Hospital Los Angeles, to which he and Kourtney have donated over $100,000. They've also provided 70,000 toys and 14,000 bicycles to Los Angeles children, per Gonzalez.

"Everything in my life really feels like it has taken off since the day I put the Dodger uniform on," Turner said. "Obviously, it's very special to me, growing up in Southern California, getting to wear that jersey and getting to be a part of an organization that has so much history and has so many people who have impacted the game in so many different ways. I'm just trying to do my little part."

In 2019, Jan. 22 was declared "Justin Turner Day" in Los Angeles by the city council in recognition of his impact on the community. The Dodgers have not yet announced if they will exercise the $16 million club option for 2023, but he said he will continue his philanthropic efforts even after he departs the franchise, whenever that may be.

"I think that's something that will always be part of Kourtney and I's DNA," Turner said. "Obviously, we don't know what it will look like when eventually I am done playing, and when the events come together and what's going to happen on that front. But I think it's something that we will always continue and always be giving back to help people in need."

If they are unable to retain Trea Turner, the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly have interest in pursuing shortstop Carlos Correa in free agency.

Regarding Correa, Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted that the Dodgers "love everything he brings" to the table and view him as a solid "1A" option if Turner signs elsewhere.

Heyman noted that while the Dodgers have interest in re-signing Turner, they believe he prefers to play closer to the east coast, which may make it difficult to compete with other parties rumored to be interested in him, such as the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals.

Last offseason, Correa was part of a stacked free-agent class for shortstops, but he waited to sign until after the lockout, which may have negatively impacted the contract he received.

He ultimately settled on a three-year, $105.3 million contract with the Minnesota Twins, but the caveat was that he could choose to opt out after the first season.

Per MLB.com's Brian Murphy, Correa indicated at the end of the regular season that he planned to opt out, calling the decision "very simple."

The 28-year-old Correa is an eight-year MLB veteran who spent his first seven seasons with the Houston Astros before signing with the Twins.

Correa, who went No. 1 overall in the 2012 MLB draft, was a two-time All-Star in Houston and helped the Astros win the 2017 World Series.

In his one season with the Twins, Correa hit .291 with a .366 on-base percentage, both of which were the second-best marks of his career. He also clubbed 22 home runs, drove in 64 runners and scored 70 runs despite missing 26 games.

Along with Turner and Correa, shortstops Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson are set to hit the open market as well, meaning the Dodgers and other shortstop-needy teams will have no shortage of options.

At 111-51, the Dodgers had the best record in baseball this season by far, and they were heavily favored to win the World Series.

They were shocked by the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, though, leaving them to pick up the pieces and figure out the right mix for playoff success next season.

Since Correa is a career .272 hitter with 18 homers and 59 RBI in 79 career postseason games, he would seemingly be an ideal fit in L.A. if Turner is no longer an option.

The playoffs are over for the New York Yankees, who were swept by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. The Los Angeles Dodgers didn't even make it that far, falling in a 3-1 series to the San Diego Padres in the divisional round.

There will be no World Series between the Yankees and the Dodgers this year, but the two high-profile franchises may soon face off in a different arena. Both teams may be heavy bidders for star outfielder Aaron Judge.

Judge had a historic season for the Yankees in 2022, finishing with an AL record 62 home runs and arguably the biggest profile in baseball. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported last month that "most" believe that Judge will re-sign with the Yankees as a free agent this offseason.

However, L.A. is emerging as a serious threat to sign him away. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Dodgers are considering a run at Judge and a move of star outfielder Mookie Betts to second base.

"According to sources, the Dodgers could become serious players in this offseason’s Aaron Judge sweepstakes, a move that would potentially result in a position change for Betts, a six-time All-Star outfielder," Feinsand wrote.

This is far from the worst idea for the Dodgers, and there are a few reasons why it would make sense. Perhaps the biggest is that Betts is open to the position change.

"Being able to play second base is kind of something I've been doing my whole life,” Betts said in September, per Feinsand. "Getting to go back there is just a lot of fun for me, personally. I really, really do enjoy it, but they pay me to catch these fly balls."

The Dodgers will be happy to pay Betts to do something else if it means adding the slugging power of Judge. Los Angeles ranked fifth in the regular season with 212 home runs, but Judge is a difference-maker at the plate.

Of course, adding Judge won't be cheap.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel polled 14 anonymous MLB executives, agents and insiders on what Judge's next contract might look like.

The predictions averaged out to 8.6 years and just below $320 million. With that sort of investment in Judge, the Dodgers will almost certainly have to part with star shortstop and impending free agent Treat Turner. The thing is, that might happen anyway.

According to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, the two-time All-Star did not progress in extension talks with the Dodgers at all this season:

"The Dodgers broached the idea of a long-term future with Turner’s team over the winter but didn’t get into specifics. Turner told them he was willing to have talks until the start of the regular season. The Dodgers informed Turner shortly before the start of the year they wouldn’t make him a formal offer, and there haven’t been any discussions between the two sides about an extension since."

There's a real chance that Turner departs whether or not the Dodgers pursue Judge. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to at least see if the 30-year-old home-run king can be had.

Another factor to consider is that L.A.'s roster simply wasn't enough to go deep into the postseason. The Dodgers were ousted by the Padres, who in turn lost a 3-1 series to the Philadelphia Phillies. This marked the second straight year in which L.A. finished earlier in the postseason than the previous season.

After winning the World Series in 2020, the Dodgers lost in the NLCS to the Atlanta Braves in 2021. If that trend continues, it's hard to see L.A. making a big postseason jump with its current roster.

Yes, this is a roster that won 111 games in the regular season. However, spending to re-sign the likes of Turner, Craig Kimbrel and Joey Gallo won't ensure that Los Angeles is more of a title contender next year.

Simply put, it may be time to shake things up a bit. Adding Judge would certainly do that while boosting the Dodgers' bottom line.

Fans care far more about how a team performs than ticket and merchandise sales. However, business management has at least one eye on potential revenue.

Judge, who grew up in California, would generate a buzz in L.A. that perhaps no other star could. That excitement would be great for the Dodgers and for baseball. If Judge does leave New York, you can bet that MLB would prefer that he land in another large market.

Of course, there is a price point at which adding Judge wouldn't make sense for L.A. His power and profile weren't enough to get the Yankees into the October Classic, and the Dodgers can't justify completely tearing down their roster to accommodate him.

However, it's worth making a serious run at Judge, even if the end result is forcing a potential playoff foe like the San Francisco Giants to overpay.

According to Randy Miller of NJ Advanced Media, the Giants are all-in on acquiring Judge too.

"The Giants have targeted Judge and are prepared to spend whatever it takes, a person with knowledge of the Giants’ thinking told NJ Advance Media after meeting with members of the franchise’s ownership group," Miller wrote.

This may be the biggest reason why a Judge pursuit makes sense for the Dodgers. They potentially have a chance to steal him from a division rival or drive up the price point.

And if L.A. can land Judge, it will at least have a chance to re-emerge as the best team in baseball in 2023.

The Los Angeles Dodgers "could become serious players" in the pursuit of Aaron Judge in MLB free agency, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

Feinsand reported the Dodgers would potentially shift Mookie Betts, their everyday right fielder, to second base to accommodate the New York Yankees slugger.

Feinsand added L.A. could decline to make a run at re-signing Trea Turner with an eye toward landing the biggest fish on the market.

The Dodgers have rarely rested on their laurels since their run of 10 straight playoff appearances began in 2013. Each of the last three offseasons has seen them make at least one significant addition to the roster as well.

Los Angeles acquired Betts from the Boston Red Sox in 2020 and then signed Trevor Bauer and Freddie Freeman in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Bringing Judge aboard would certainly carry on the trend.

To the extent finances matter for a franchise that routinely carries one of MLB's highest payrolls, the Dodgers are poised to have some flexibility this winter as well.

Turner, David Price, Craig Kimbrel and Joey Gallo combined to earn $79.3 million in 2022 and will be coming off the books. Cody Bellinger, whom MLB Trade Rumors' Steve Adams projected to get $18.1 million in arbitration, could be jettisoned.

Even if the team retains impending free agents Clayton Kershaw, Andrew Heaney and Tyler Anderson and picks up Justin Turner's $16 million option, the outgoing salaries and savings are more than enough to cover whatever Judge would make on his contract.

If Judge played for any other team, then the Dodgers would arguably be the favorites to get his signature.

Somewhat concerningly for Yankees fans, SNY's Andy Martino reported Monday that Judge's "intentions remain just as mysterious to the organization as they do to the fanbase" and that the Bronx Bombers "have no idea if he wants to be here."

The tangible impact of losing the presumptive American League MVP is obvious. There's also the symbolic hit of getting outbid for your best player by a more monied team. Imagine how the fanbase and New York media would react if Judge were to sign with the Dodgers or—even more chaotically—the New York Mets.

As much as the Dodgers might covet the four-time All-Star, it's hard to picture him in anything other than pinstripes next season.

Kenley Jansen will be a free agent this offseason and told TMZ Sports he would consider re-signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers after spending last season with the Atlanta Braves.

"We'll see what's out there," he said of a possible return to Los Angeles.

Jansen said it will come down to whatever is the best decision for his family.

The relief pitcher spent the first 12 seasons of his major league career with the Dodgers before signing a one-year deal with the Braves. He led the National League with 41 saves, totaling a 3.38 ERA and 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings.

Jansen helped the Braves win the NL East with 101 wins, although the squad was eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies in the divisional round. The pitcher still enjoyed himself in Atlanta.

"I can tell you all great things about Atlanta," he told TMZ. "Atlanta is awesome. The fans, the people, the organization. I had a great time there, and we had a great season."

Retaining Jansen could help the Braves remain in contention with a bullpen that also features A.J. Minter, Collin McHugh and Dylan Lee.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, also lost in the divisional round of the playoffs despite winning 111 games during the regular season. Craig Kimbrel was inconsistent as the team's closer, and he could be replaced going into 2023.

The team's familiarity with Jansen could make it a perfect fit just a few years removed from helping the team win the 2020 World Series.

Of course, there could be plenty of demand around the league for a closer with three All-Star selections and at least 30 saves in eight of the last nine years.

Might the Los Angeles Dodgers turn their attention away from re-signing shortstop Trea Turner and instead bring history-making New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge into the fold?

That is a hypothetical question that may well prove reality if a report from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com comes to fruition.

"There has been a lot of talk that the Dodgers are prepared to let Turner walk in order to make a big play for Judge, a scenario that could take the NL West champions out of play for the shortstop," he wrote.

As it turns out, that potential scenario could work out better for the Dodgers than going back to the negotiation table with their star shortstop.

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It's Time For Change...

The Dodgers have been to the postseason for 10 consecutive seasons but have just one World Series title to show for it, despite three appearances in the Fall Classic.

Something needs to change so the organization can take advantage of its success, and that means making personnel changes.

Turner is a great shortstop and is going to be handsomely rewarded in the offseason but if the Dodgers have the opportunity to get a player of the caliber of Judge, they must take the steps to make it happen.

Not only is the 30-year-old (62 HR, .311 average, 131 RBI, .425 on-base percentage) a better player in every measurable category than Turner (21/.298/100/.343) in 2022, but he is also the face of the Yankees and can fill that role for any franchise.

Judge's ability to get on base, drive in runs and create energy among his teammates and fans are traits that cannot be ignored. In pursuit of another world title, the Dodgers would be doing themselves a disservice if they did not tinker with the chemistry of the team in an attempt to bring him in.

However, that doesn't mean there is no risk involved in targeting Judge at Turner's expense.

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...But Not Without Hesitation

Foregoing Turner in favor of making a play for Judge can backfire in two ways.

First, making a run at Judge could alienate Turner and make it possible that the Dodgers sign neither player. There would likely be hurt feelings on the part of Turner should he notice a lack of movement on a new deal because the team is focusing its efforts elsewhere, making it likely he takes a big-money offer elsewhere.

There is no guarantee the team could even convince Judge to make the move across the country, either. He made his desire to stay in New York crystal clear earlier this year and continues to do so:

"The money, the contract has never been why I play this game. I want to play for the Yankees and be here for a long time. If it works out, it works out - if it doesn't, it doesn't."

Aaron Judge with his feelings on extension talks: pic.twitter.com/66i62eWLPj

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 18, 2022

https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1579943176571596802

Second, even if the team secures Judge, it leaves the Dodgers without a starting shortstop. Obviously, they would not sink an otherworldly amount of money into Judge and still retain the services of Turner. It is not fiscally feasible.

That would leave the team with Gavin Lux at a key position on the field, something the 2020 world champs are unlikely to let happen.

If they did, and with no disrespect to the 25-year-old who played in 129 games in 2022 and drove in 42 runs, it would be a noticeable hole in the defense and one that teams could look to exploit.

In a year when there will be any number of high-end shortstops available in free agency, the Dodgers would seemingly have to do their due diligence and look into a Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa or Dansby Swanson.

Maybe they will at someone like Elvis Andrus to fill the gap while still courting Judge.

Whatever the case, the team cannot ignore the shortstop position in favor of the headline-making slugger. At least not without eyeing serviceable players to fill the void until Lux or another youngster is ready to step in and be the long-term answer at the position.

Still, despite every question that may spring to mind, such as Judge's lackluster playoff stats, there is no denying how special a player he is.

Every time fans and critics grow frustrated by his struggle to produce in the playoffs, he comes through with a sensational defensive play that makes up for it, such as robbing Alex Bregman of at least one RBI in Game 2 of the ALCS:

https://twitter.com/saheelreports/status/1582885097573056512

The situation will be interesting, should it play out as Feinsand suggests. And any deal would be one that would be closely scrutinized for generations to come.

Still, the Dodgers owe it to themselves, the fans and any aspirations the organization has of adding another World Series title to its storied franchise to at least engage Judge in talks. Even if it means watching one of the elite shortstops in baseball move on.

Clayton Kershaw is the third-winningest pitcher in Los Angeles Dodgers history and one of the best in that franchise's illustrious history, but his time with the team may be winding down, according to reports.

Despite his status as a Los Angeles legend and one of the best pitchers of his generation, it is time for the Dodgers to consider letting Kershaw leave.

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Will He or Won't He?

Kershaw played this season on a one-year, $17 million deal. It was noncommittal on both his and the team's side, and if Kershaw's words after the conclusion of a disappointing season in LA are any indication, a return to the team would likely look similar.

"As of right now, I’d say I’ll play again," he told Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. "We’ll see what happens. Going home and being around and being a full-time dad changes your perspective on things," he continued.

In that answer alone, he appears uncertain about his willingness to play at all next season.

When you add in the interest the Texas Rangers had in him last offseason, per Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times, in the form of more years and money, and likely will again this year, you have a scenario where there are more questions than answers.

It's time for you to come home Clayton Kershaw.

— The Prospect Times (@ProspectTimes) October 16, 2022

After all, joining the Rangers would allow Kershaw to join a team that plays its home games just minutes away from his home in Dallas. If the all-world lefty is focused on being a full-time dad, playing for Texas would allow him to do that a little more consistently than he might if he returned to the only Major League team he has ever known.

When you take into consideration the expected return of manager Dave Roberts next season, per Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times, and pressure on him and the organization to perform up to expectations in the postseason, there are decisions that must be made to ensure that happens.

Kershaw underperformed in the NLDS against San Diego with an ERA of 5.40 and has not elicited the fear from opposing hitters one would expect from a pitcher of his stature. A career postseason ERA of 4.22 does not help matters.

If there is indecision on his part and the Rangers come back with another offer this offseason, the Dodgers should allow Kershaw to walk so that they can address other needs in pursuit of a world title.

Otherwise, Kershaw will not be the only player departing the organization.

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Conclusion

The future Hall of Famer is still an above-average pitcher, with an impressive 12-3 win-loss record (27th in the Majors) in 2022 and an ERA under 3.0. There is no denying that the Dodgers were a better team this season with him in the rotation

.At some point, though, the indecision that has permeated the offseason, and the threat of another team winning his services, hangs over the club like a dark cloud.

Will it be easy to replace a franchise hero? No, and the potential backlash from fans who love the lefty must be taken into consideration. So does the distraction.

The Dodgers set a franchise record for wins in 2022 but have nothing to show for it. They were beaten, decisively, by the wild-card Padres and left without a world title for the ninth time in 10 consecutive playoff appearances.

They need to re-evaluate the roster, the leadership and, yes, their star pitcher and his commitment (or lack thereof) to the team.

The appeal of full-time fatherhood, and the potential to play for a team much closer to home, may make any decision surrounding the best pitcher of his generation much easier for the team.

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell short of their championship-or-bust expectations during the 2022 season, but they reportedly have no plans to change their manager ahead of the 2023 campaign.

According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, "Dave Roberts is expected to return" for what will be the first year of the three-year contract extension he agreed to in March.

Harris pointed out the Dodgers are facing a number of potential decisions this offseason, so having some stability at manager is at least one less thing to worry about.

Justin Turner has a club option on his contract, Cody Bellinger could be headed to arbitration, and stars such as Trea Turner and Clayton Kershaw could hit the open market as unrestricted free agents.

As for Roberts, it is impossible to classify his tenure with the Dodgers as anything other than a success even if an early playoff loss could open him up to criticism.

In seven seasons he has a 653-380 record with seven playoff appearances. The Dodgers won the 2020 World Series title under his direction, breaking a championship drought that dated back to the 1988 season.

It also helped break a run of recent playoff failures, as Los Angeles has made the postseason every year since 2013 only to fall short of lifting the trophy each time until the shortened 2020 campaign.

The Dodgers lost the 2017 and 2018 World Series during that time, underscoring just how close they consistently came in October until winning the title.

There will be some lingering disappointment for the fanbase after watching the 2022 team win a franchise-record 111 games just to lose its first playoff series in four games to the National League West rival San Diego Padres.

Perhaps that will inspire a new round of major free-agent signings as Los Angeles looks to keep its position near the top of the baseball world. But it apparently will not lead to a change at the managerial position.

Any loss as brutal and baffling as the one the Los Angeles Dodgers just endured is invariably a "heads must roll" situation, and the most vulnerable neck surely belongs to the guy who was in charge throughout it all.

Still, it's worth backing up and asking if the Dodgers' latest earlier-than-expected postseason ouster was really one man's fault. Or, for that matter, if it was really that surprising.

What's on paper doesn't leave much doubt about the latter. The Dodgers made history with their 111 wins and plus-334 run differential in the 2022 regular season, yet they still went down 3-1 in the National League Division Series to a San Diego Padres squad that made no history of any kind in winning 89 games with a plus-45 run differential.

The Padres won 22 fewer regular-season games than the Dodgers, and won the NLDS over LA

THAT'S THE 2ND-LARGEST REGULAR-SEASON WINS UPSET IN A POSTSEASON SERIES

Only team to win a postseason series with a larger RS-wins upset:

1906 WS: White Sox (23 fewer RS wins) over Cubs

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 16, 2022

"Shock factor, very high. Disappointment, very high. It's crushing," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters shortly after Josh Hader fired strike three past Freddie Freeman to secure a 5-3 win for the Padres in Game 4 on Saturday.

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Blame the Manager If You Want

Because, let's face it, the Dodgers skipper is hardly blameless for the fact that the Dodgers failed to win the World Series after their fourth 100-win season under his leadership.

Among other things, it's in part thanks to Roberts' decision-making that Jake Cronenworth delivered the go-ahead knock with two on and two out in the seventh inning of Game 4:

HE IS HIM. #CaptureTheMoment pic.twitter.com/VYUX81hImH

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 16, 2022

Cronenworth started that at-bat facing hard-throwing right-hander Yency Almonte, only for Roberts to make the switch to Alex Vesia after Almonte had already thrown ball one. Going for the left-on-left matchup was apparently always the plan, yet the execution isn't the only aspect that looks less than ideal in retrospect.

Cronenworth is typically above average versus left-handed pitching, and specific splits from this year suggest there was little to be gained from having him face a breaking-balling southpaw instead of a flamethrowing righty:

• vs. Breaking from LHP: .275 wOBA
• vs. 95+ mph Fastballs from RHP: .268 wOBA

To watch Roberts manage according to conventional wisdom this time around might not have been so baffling if he hadn't bucked conventional wisdom earlier in the series.

In choosing to pinch-hit Austin Barnes instead of All-Star Chris Taylor or promising rookie Miguel Vargas with two on and two out in the eighth inning of Game 2, Roberts cited the shape of the former's bat path as his justification. Yet he was ultimately calling on a guy with an 87 OPS+, so the resulting out was hardly a surprise.

While we're at it, let's also pick at the decision to start Tony Gonsolin in Game 3.

Roberts couldn't have made that decision without the blessing of the front office, yet it always looked unnecessarily risky on account of Gonsolin's injury-induced pitch count limitations. Those effectively made it a bullpen game for the Dodgers, whereas they could have put their trust in Tyler Anderson and his 2.57 regular-season ERA.

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So Long as You Also Blame Everything Else That Doomed the Dodgers

For starters, how about an offense that never really resembled the one that led the majors in scoring during the regular season?

Things started off well enough, as the Dodgers put up five runs in the first three innings of a 5-3 victory in Game 1. Alas, just seven more followed over the next 32 innings. Mookie Betts went just 2-for-14 in his table-setting role atop the offense, and the team went 2-for-26 with runners in scoring position over the last three games.

The manager's fault? Psh. Come on. Unless we're talking about a Mr. Burns-Darryl Strawberry situation, no manager is capable of manufacturing offense.

Managers also don't have the power to heal injuries, and there's no denying that the Dodgers went into the NLDS with many more red flags in that department than the Padres.

Out of the picture were ace starter Walker Buehler, who had Tommy John surgery in August, and ace reliever Daniel Hudson, who tore his ACL in June. Though the club deemed Gonsolin and fellow starter Dustin May good to go, the former had only recently returned from forearm tightness and the latter made only six appearances following his return from Tommy John before landing back on the injured list with lower-back tightness.

Blake Treinen also barely pitched this year because of shoulder troubles, and one could have deduced as much from watching him struggle with his stuff and command in Game 2:

RAKE CRONENWORTH 💣 #CaptureTheMoment pic.twitter.com/Tykb1u3eIC

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 13, 2022

One might ask why Treinen was even on the NLDS roster if the answer wasn't so obvious: Because the Dodgers simply needed bodies in the bullpen.

Per its 2.87 ERA, Los Angeles' pen was the best in the National League during the regular season. The Dodgers nonetheless posted a 4.02 ERA in the ninth inning, mainly by way of struggles on the part of Craig Kimbrel that persisted until he lost the closer's job in September and was then left off the postseason roster entirely.

That Kimbrel's slide into irrelevance was so predictable only makes the Dodgers' handling of the trade deadline less forgivable in retrospect. Hader was out there. David Robertson was out there. Jorge López was out there. Yet in settling for Chris Martin, the Dodgers acquired a middle-innings guy when they clearly needed a late-innings type.

In addition to ill-timed bad offense and a cringe-worthy injured list, this is another thing that's not on Roberts. It's on President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, whose excuse for not doing more ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline amounted to a shrug.

To be sure, Friedman is to be commended for how he's leveraged the Dodgers' Scrooge McDuck-ian resources into a .623 winning percentage over the last eight seasons. It's also not for lack of trying that he didn't land a bigger fish this summer, as he reportedly made a "solid" bid for Juan Soto before the Padres nabbed him.

Yet the bullpen, at least, has been an all-too-consistent blind spot for Friedman.

Before a void at closer became a problem in 2022, the Dodgers were previously dogged by the absence of a strong bridge to Kenley Jansen. This weakness had a way of rearing its ugly head in October, typically in situations involving Clayton Kershaw being asked to do too much.

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Just Don't Blame It on MLB's New Playoff Format

There's a school of thought that the Dodgers were done dirty by MLB's new playoff format. And to be fair, it's not without its merits.

For instance, Travis Sawchik of The Score rightfully argued that baseball is "not designed to be played in small samples." And yet, Major League Baseball insists on crowning its champion based not on its six-month marathon of a regular season, but on its one-month sprint of a postseason.

Further, the sprint has only become more prone to randomness as the number of playoff teams has increased from two to 12 since 1968. As both the Dodgers and Atlanta can attest, the new environment is such that even the best teams are vulnerable to hot teams.

True though this may be, however, it's nonetheless a lousy excuse for why the Dodgers are just 1-for-10 in their pursuits of World Series glory even as they've won more regular-season games than anyone over the last decade. That's not an accident. That's a trend.

Rather than expect the matter to resolve itself, it's about time the Dodgers tried something different between now and Opening Day 2023.

Even though the Dodgers just extended him through 2025 in March, Roberts ought to be on the chopping block. Perhaps he does own the fourth-highest winning percentage of any manager ever, but the club's leadership has every reason to wonder if somebody else might be able to do more if given the same level of talent that Roberts has been afforded.

There must nonetheless also be changes on the talent front, though the Dodgers admittedly don't have much of a choice there.

With Justin Turner's 2023 option unlikely to vest and Kershaw, Anderson, Kimbrel, Martin, Andrew Heaney, Joey Gallo and Trea Turner all ticketed for free agency, the team is about to have a ton of holes to fill. The bright side of this, of course, is the flexibility to buy up all the big fish on the offseason market.

They might, for example, address their ace and closer needs by signing Jacob deGrom and Edwin Díaz away from the New York Mets. If not Trea Turner, they could seek to install Carlos Correa or Xander Bogaerts at shortstop. Then there's the nuclear option of a mega-contract for 62-homer slugger Aaron Judge.

No matter how they go about their offseason business, you can rest assured that the Dodgers will go into 2023 looking good. Looking good, after all, is kind of what they do.

The real tell will be whether they look good in a whole new way. Because if the '23 Dodgers bear even a close resemblance to the '22 Dodgers, their latest quest for a championship will look a lot like Albert Einstein's definition of insanity.

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Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference, FanGraphs and Baseball Savant.