Los Angeles Dodgers: Predicting the fate of biggest Dodger free agents

The Los Angeles Dodgers do not have that many free agents to worry about this offseason but there are some decisions to be made.

Despite falling short in the NLDS after a 106-win season, it does not appear that the Los Angeles Dodgers are primed for a busy offseason. The Dodgers do not really have many openings via free agency there isn’t any big trade right now that makes sense.

Of course, that is all to change during the course of the offseason, but the one thing I would advise is to not expect the massive move. The Dodgers are not the team to pull the trigger on a massive superstar.

Maybe that will change with a pitcher, maybe even someone like Gerrit Cole, but I highly doubt that will be the case.

The first thing the Dodgers need to do is evaluate their impending free agents and what the team wants to do with them. We counted four free agents that actually had an impact on the team this year, although there are other, lesser free agents that the Dodgers will likely walk away from regardless.

Here is what we think happens to each big-name Dodger free agent this winter.

Russell Martin: Re-signs a one-year deal

This might seem far-fetched to most fans with how deep the Los Angeles Dodgers are at the catcher position in the minor leagues but I really do not see Russell Martin walking away from this team quite yet.

Just like David Freese last year and Chase Utley two years ago, Martin will get one last contract out of the Dodgers after being acquired via trade the year before, and it makes sense to give him that contract.

Keibert Ruiz is a September call-up candidate but he is not ready to be on the roster on Opening Day and nobody really wants to see Austin Barnes out there, do we?

Having Martin be the veteran backup that Will Smith can continue to learn from that can also provide the occasional big game is perfect for a one-year deal and one last shot at a World Series ring.