Dodgers: Four players that are set to regress in 2018
By Jason Reed
The 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers were filled with multiple breakout talents. In 2018, though, some of those talents will find themselves regressing.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the best-built teams in all of Major League Baseball. For a team that is consistently labeled as big spenders, the Andrew Friedman-led front office has been able to craft a relatively inexpensive roster. While the Dodgers still rank among the highest salary caps in baseball, it is much better than it was three years ago.
The only significant player with a large contract is Clayton Kershaw, who is owed $35 million this season — and rightfully so. Matt Kemp comes in next with a $21.5 million salary, then Rich Hill, Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen.
Those are the only four players that are owed more than $10 million next season. Some of the Dodgers’ best players are still in their arbitration phase. Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, Alex Wood and Austin Barnes are all in the arbitration phase of their careers.
Thus, it is safe to say that the Los Angeles Dodgers are full of surprise talents; sleeper players that did not find a home elsewhere. The Mariners did not want Chris Taylor, the Mets did not want Justin Turner, 17 teams passed on Corey Seager in the 2012 MLB Draft and Cody Bellinger fell to the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
Having these surprise assets are great, but it also comes with a downfall. Sometimes, these standout players come back to earth after a great season. While they still will be solid contributors, some often fail to replicate their output over multiple years.
Unfortunately, the Dodgers will have some of said players in 2018. Therefore, here are four Dodgers that are set to regress in 2018.