MLB
Heyman | Early look at the Brian Dozier market
Brian Dozier is a rare huge power source as a second baseman, and should do well as a free agent.
It seems less-than-likely his longtime Twins team will be at the forefront of the talks considering their plethora of middle infielders – though the expectation is that they will at least extend the qualifying offer, which will be around $18 million (though some aren’t convinced that this is a certainty).
Anyway, after taking an early look at the coming free agent derbies for Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Clayton Kershaw, Josh Donaldson, A.J. Pollock and Craig Kimbrel, Dozier is up next. Without further ado, the Dozier Derby:
1. Dodgers: They were a team that took a look when Dozier was on the trade block, they reset their luxury tax threshold and should be ready to roll next winter. Odds: 5-1.
2. Diamondbacks: They could have flexibility at second, and will likely need to find offense if A.J. Pollock leaves, as seems likely. Odds: 7-1.
3. Blue Jays: Devon Travis has had trouble staying healthy, and the Blue Jays will want some power to replace Josh Donaldson, who’s not expected to be back. Odds: 9-1.
4. Braves: Ozzie Albies has been fantastic. But could the Braves move Albies to third and import the Georgia product Dozier, who’d certainly love this scenario? He’s very close to Chipper Jones. Odds: 10-1.
5. Mets: A return for the well-liked Asdrubal Cabrera seems more likely, but Dozier would bring some extra pop. Odds: 13-1.
6. Cardinals: Kolten Wong’s defense has been excellent, but he still hasn’t hit like hoped. Odds: 15-1.
7. Brewers: Keston Hiura is the likely second baseman of the future, assuming they believe he can field the position. Odds: 18-1.
8. Twins: The marriage has worked, and they will likely be extending him the qualifying offer. Odds: 20-1.
9. Indians: Jason Kipnis’ woeful start is probably an aberration, but if any team has seen what Dozier can do up close, this is it. Odds: 25-1.
10. A’s: Oakland occasionally tries to make a big play, and he could fit there. Odds: 30-1.
11. Field: The Red Sox are hopeful Dustin Pedroia will be back after returning from a knee issue. Most others seem pretty well set at second. Odds: 4-1
-
Inside Baseball1 week agoInside Baseball | Needs and targets for MLB’s contending teams
-
Chicago Cubs1 week agoHeyman | Cubs could be landing spot for Manny Machado
-
Inside Baseball1 week agoInside Baseball MLB Notes | Is Ohtani world’s best player?
-
MLB1 week agoHeyman | Casey Mize clear leader of pitching-heavy draft class
Mike
May 18, 2018 at 12:32 pm
Dozier is from Fulton, Mississippi and went to college at U of Southern Mississippi.
Nick D’Alessio
May 18, 2018 at 10:59 pm
What about the Yankees? Could always trade some big prospects(Torres, Frazier) for a better starter than Sonny Gray or Montgomery. And CC is probably going to retire after this year! I think trading prospects for SP and sliding Dozier in at 2nd is the way to go with the reduced luxury tax!
Kevin Tabor
May 20, 2018 at 1:10 am
Interesting take, although the way he’s trending, I think Kipnis is in free fall and at this point it’s not an aberration.
Bryan Goodwin
May 20, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Braves make absolutely no sense. The field makes more sense. Why would Albies move to third? If anything Dozier would move, or Swanson would move and Albies would move to short. Either way why would they do that and block Riley? Just because he’s a GA native doesn’t mean the Braves should have interest. Should have done better research Jon
Jonathon klein
May 20, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Dozier isn’t from GA. A lot of this list doesn’t even make sense. Did you even do your research?