CLOSED NEWS/RUMORS Thread

Discussion in 'Los Angeles DODGERS' started by irish, Apr 13, 2026.

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  1. lastatman

    lastatman Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    Setting aside today's De Paula news, here's what I'm thinking about longer term team plans:

    Freddie's contract has one more year, and he'll be 38. Despite his stated desire to keep playing, I can't imagine his production will stay up at that point. There will be regression and potentially what we're starting to see as far as his body not holding up as well will accelerate. For as much as the Dodgers love him, I doubt he'll be extended.

    JDP is 6'3" and only 185 lbs. He's also just 21, so it's only common sense that he'll continue to fill out that frame. The average height of MLB first basemen is 6-2 to 6-3. That's why I'm opposed to trying to make Tibbs at 5-11 a 1B or even Rushing at 6-0.

    Next year let Josue platoon some with Teo. Also, work him hard at 1B during the offseason and let him spell Freddie there at times. He can also DH if Shohei's knees hurt again. By 2028, shift him full time to 1B.

    Teo's contract ends, and that opens left for, let's say, Sirota. At that point Tucker's ridiculous contract has 2 years remaining. A lot will depend on how Tucker closes out this year and plays in '27, but with 2 years left it might be manageable for Dodgers to eat some salary and find a trade partner. Another space open for one of Quintero or Davalan (or maybe Ehrhard). And that's one more year of Pages in center to see if he's matured enough mentally to remain there. If not, then one of the prospects - probably Davalan - can take his place.
     
    lastatman, Sep 23, 2026
    #1101
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  2. irish

    irish DSP Staff Member Administrator

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    worst case scenario…
    what should LAD do if depaula can’t adapt defensively?
     
    irish, Sep 23, 2026
    #1102
  3. lastatman

    lastatman Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    If he can't adapt to either OF or 1B, then we're in trouble, because there's only one DH. Someone would have to get traded, and it's probably not Ohtani.

    JDP is athletic enough to learn defense. I don't know why, but I think 1B would be easier to become at least average at.
     
    lastatman, Sep 23, 2026
    #1103
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  4. LAdiablo

    LAdiablo descarado

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    said this a couple of days back somewhere on the site. JDP or even Shohei at first.
     
    LAdiablo, Sep 23, 2026
    #1104
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  5. irish

    irish DSP Staff Member Administrator

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    @BaseballAmerica
    Dodgers top prospect Josue De Paula can be a difference-maker for LA offensively. In the outfield, however, scouts project the 21-year-old as a 30-grade defender.

    De Paula had 172 total chances in 95 minor league games this season. He committed six errors. There were also more than 15 plays in which his defensive issues turned outs into baserunners or allowed extra bases.

    A complete evaluation of Josue De Paula's defense and how that factors into the Dodgers' decision making come October: buff.ly/eKPeFCy

    ​
     
    irish, Sep 24, 2026
    #1105
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  6. irish

    irish DSP Staff Member Administrator

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    irish, Sep 26, 2026
    #1106
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