Los Angeles Dodgers: Surprising free agents that are a good fit
By Jason Reed
2. Jose Abreu
Jose Abreu is someone who I personally have been raving about for over a year now. Abreu would complement this Dodgers team so perfectly and would do so without breaking the bank, allowing the team to also add a big-name free agent, perhaps a pitcher if desired.
Abreu is a free agent for the first time after signing as an international free agent with the Chicago White Sox. Abreu’s MLB career started red-hot, leveled out at times and he finished last season with a .284 batting average, 33 home runs and 123 RBIs.
Abreu will be sought after but he will likely will not get the massive deal that someone such as Anthony Rendon would get. I could absolutely see the Dodgers getting Abreu on a three-year contract worth $65 million, which may seem like a lot but would be offset with Justin Turner’s contract expiring.
Abreu would not only replace David Freese on this team but would likely be the everyday first baseman, moving Max Muncy to second base, which could cause issues with Gavin Lux.
However, with Abreu being right-handed and the Corey Seager and Gavin Lux both being left-handed, the Dodgers could easily manage this infield where every player gets adequate playing time while also getting days off.
Most importantly, Abreu absolutely rakes against left-handed pitching. Last season he hit .360 with a 1.009 OPS against left-handed pitching. That is exactly the kind of bat the Dodgers could use.