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Los Angeles Dodgers: Why Bryce Harper won’t sign with LA

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals reacts after he walks in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals reacts after he walks in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Dodgers
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Dodgers /

3. There are bigger needs on the roster

The biggest reason why the Los Angeles Dodgers might stay away from Bryce Harper this offseason is the team has bigger needs to address this winter before addressing an outfielder. While there is a world in which the team can do both, whether it be via trade or free agent signing, I would rather see the Dodgers make the other moves first.

The catcher position seems to be the team’s biggest need in terms of positional players, unless Yasmani Grandal accepts the qualifying offer. If not, the team needs to get a rental option for a year or two to allow top catching prospect Keibert Ruiz to get a full year in AAA. He has not played higher than AA.

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Another potential area of need is second base. The team could use a platoon of Enrique Hernandez and Max Muncy at second base but Muncy’s defense is a concern and the team would benefit from him being a true everyday player.

As popular as Hernandez is, his bad postseason showed us why he is better suited as a super utility, who can help all areas, instead of a designated second baseman.

Most importantly, the team needs to add arms in the bullpen. The Dodgers bullpen is not in a terrible state but the front office needs to stop relying on these reclamation projects. While they do well in the regular season, these feel-good stories always run their course.

Joe Blanton in 2016, Brandon Morrow in 2017 and Ryan Madson in 2018 all eventually met their match after being the Dodgers’ go-to option out of the bullpen.

Next. Three relievers the Dodgers must target this winter. dark

Adding either one elite reliever or two or three great situation guys, like the team did with Tony Watson in 2017, is something the Dodgers need to focus on. I would rather the team pay $25 million on great relievers than $35-40 million on Harper.

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