LA Dodgers’ Offseason Dilemma: Breaking Down Arbitration-Eligible Players

In the wake of an early start to the offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the front office found itself facing a myriad of challenging questions about the roster and payroll. The focus shifted to the list of 13 arbitration-eligible players, each with their projected salaries for 2024.

Key Takeaways:

• Will Smith is set to earn $9.3 million after an All-Star season in 2023, raising questions about a potential long-term contract extension.
• Walker Buehler, returning from Tommy John surgery, is projected to earn $8.03 million, setting up a pivotal year ahead of his free agency in 2024-2025.
• Ryan Yarbrough is expected to receive a contract at $3.8 million, marking an $800,000 raise for the versatile pitcher.

With these insights in mind, let’s delve deeper into the Dodgers’ arbitration-eligible players for the 2024 season.

Will Smith, C ($9.3 million): As one of the best catchers in the game and coming off an All-Star season in 2023, Smith has earned his projected $4 million raise. Ideally, the Dodgers approach the 28-year-old with a long-term contract extension offer, but the team has been reluctant to do that under the Andrew Friedman regime.

Walker Buehler, RHP ($8.03 million): Buehler is a lock to be tendered a contract and return to the starting rotation in 2024. The right-hander coming off Tommy John surgery in 2022 nearly came back this season but opted to shut down his bid to return late in September. The projected $8.03 won’t mark much of a raise after missing a season due to injury, but a good year in 2024 will set him up for a nice payday as a free agent in the 2024-2025 offseason.

Ryan Yarbrough, LHP ($3.8 million): The super-utility man of the Dodger pitching staff, Yarbrough is a lock to be tendered a contract for 2024. The projected $3.8 million would mark an $800,000 raise over his 2023 salary.

Evan Phillips, RHP ($3.4 million): Evan Phillips cemented himself as one of the best relievers and best closers in baseball in 2023. He’ll return to the back end of the bullpen in 2024 with a nice projected $2.1 million raise.

Brusdar Graterol, RHP ($2.5 million): The right-hander put together his most dominant season as a big leaguer reliever in 2023. Even with his salary projected to double in 2024, he’s still a bargain in the bullpen.

Dustin May, RHP ($2.4 million): Dustin May has missed the majority of the last two seasons with elbow issues. While he’s not in danger of being non-tendered (you don’t give up on talent like his), the Dodgers may explore an incentive-laden contract extension with May this offseason to give both sides a little more protection. May is not expected back until later in the 2024 season or as late as spring training 2025.

Caleb Ferguson, LHP ($2.3 million): Ferguson is likely to return but not a surefire lock. The value he provides as a left-hander reliever for this team is what would make a projected $1.2 million raise palatable for LA, but there were some questions raised about the 27-year-old in 2023. Non-tender possibility less than 5%.

Yency Almonte, RHP ($1.9 million): Almonte was electric in 2022 and inconsistent in 2023. At $1.9 million, he’s not expensive, per se, but he’s not a bargain. He’s out of options and the team may have cheaper young arms down at Triple-A they could explore. Still, the upside will likely have the Dodgers take the gamble and tender Almonte a contract for 2024. He’s under team control through 2025.

Alex Vesia, LHP ($1.2 million): The left-hander Vesia is in a similar situation as Almonte but his job security is much more certain. After a tough start to 2023, he rebounded nicely and became the top lefty option out of the bullpen. He’ll be entering his first arbitration year and a $500,000 raise will not be difficult for the Dodgers to handle. He’s under team control through 2026.

Gavin Lux, SS ($1.1 million): Gavin Lux will be back and will be the starting shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers after missing 2023 with a devastating knee injury.

Victor Gonzalez, LHP ($1 million): Gonzalez made an unexpected return in 2023 and pitched well early on before struggling mightily. After bouncing back and forth from Triple-A, the left-hander may have established himself as a top up and down sort of 28th man for the Dodger roster in 2024. He’s under team control through 2026.

J.P. Feyereisen, RHP ($1 million): The Dodgers picked up Feyereisen last offseason as he was coming off shoulder surgery. The hope was that he could return in 2023 but a mid-season setback cost him the year. At just $1 million, it’s a low risk, high reward play for LA to keep him. The only thing that could cost the reliever a roster spot is if the Dodgers need a roster spot to protect against the Rule 5 draft this winter.

Wander Suero, RHP ($900,000): Suero struggled with the big league Dodgers but excelled with the AAA Dodgers in 2023. $900k is cheap for LA, but they are more likely to non-tender the veteran right-hander than give him that money this early in the offseason.

The Dodgers are facing a complex puzzle as they determine the future of these arbitration-eligible players. Their choices will significantly impact the team’s roster and payroll for the 2024 season and beyond. Stay tuned for updates as the offseason progresses.