Rants

Posted By on January 18, 2026

Last year, The Athletic’s Keith Law rated the Dodgers’ farm system the third-best in the game. Not bad, considering they haven’t had a top-10 pick since 2006 or a top-five choice since 1993. That is an amazing thing. The Freddy Peralta Rumors won’t go away. What will it take to get him? I’ll take a stab at it:

It starts with Sheehan and includes Ferris and Hope or Wrobleski. Maybe Miller is in it, too. It depends upon what Milwaukee wants. Is one year of Peralta worth that? Add him to Snell, Glasnow, Yamamoto, Sasaki, and Ohtani… WOW! The question becomes, “How could they lose more than 42 games?”

I am just going to post this without commentary.

The New CEO of US Water Systems

I am extremely proud of him.

This article has 50 Comments

  1. Congrats on the continued success of your business. Don’t know what Milwaukee wants, but as to whether he is worth that for just one year, considering the fact that they want to threepeat, and that there most likely will be a lockout next year, yep, make the deal.

  2. Nope…not worth it. Dodgers are deeper in starters, middle relief and closers than they have been in a long time. Don’t trade away the future for one year of Peralta. They have plenty of arms to provide rest and recovery where needed and to have a strong staff for the playoffs.

        1. Well, I am pretty sure that is not your name, but I am not making fun of it.

          I am making light of it!

    2. Why assume it would be for a single year?
      If AF is willing to spend prospects for Peralta, wouldn’t he try to extend him?
      Let’s say that AF’s big brain trust puts Peralta at 75-80% of the value of Skubal.
      In other words: Skubal Lite. Good taste, less filling.
      And Peralta’s long-term price might be 1/3 of the $400-500m+ that the Mets or Yankees or Jays might be willing to pay Skubal.
      I’m not saying the Dodgers should go after Peralta.
      But I understand why they might.

  3. Bluto posted this a few days ago, and I found it in “Trash.” Don’t know why, but it’s good stuff. Here it is:

    Baseball America on the Dodgers’ INTL signings ($$$$)
    https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/los-angeles-dodgers-2026-international-class-scouting-report/

    Dominican outfielder Rubel Arias,.. Scouts highest on Arias praised his feel for hitting, as well—some scouts think it will be a hit-over-power profile

    Dominican shortstop Ezequiel Melbourne, signing for $750,000, jumps out quickly for his actions at shortstop. Young for the class—Melbourne turns 17 on June 2—he’s a switch-hitter with a slender 6-foot-2 frame…

    Dominican shortstop Ariel Reynoso is an offensive-minded middle infielder with a strong, thicker 5-foot-10 build. He shows a good balance of both hitting ability and extra-base impact from both sides of the plate. ..

    Another shortstop from the Dominican Republic, Jose Victorino, has grown several inches throughout the scouting process and is now 6-foot-3 with longer limbs and a chance to hit for power from the right side of the plate with physical upside for that power to jump more once he fills out his rangy build….

    One of the up-arrow players for the Dodgers in this class is Tom Apfelbaum, a 17-year-old lefthander from Germany. Apfelbaum, who pitched for Germany in the U-18 World Cup last year, is 6-foot-4, 190 pounds and has seen his fastball steadily rise over the last few years to now sit in the low-90s and touch 94 mph…

    Another lefty, Miguel Herrera from Venezuela, is 6-foot-1 with good pitchability for his age. He’s up to 91 mph, throws an advanced changeup for his age…

    Jose Requena is 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, a strong corner outfielder from Venezuela with a power-over-hit offensive game from the right side of the plate. Raw power and a plus arm …

    Josh Thomas @DodgersDigest has his own look:
    https://dodgersdigest.com/2026/01/15/rubel-arias-ezequiel-melburne-highlight-dodgers-2026-ifa-signings/

    Arias, a 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, is the class headliner,…

    Melburne (whose name also appears as Melbourne in places, but I’m using the spelling from MLB Pipeline) signed for $747,500. … though he shows pop that is at least a full grade better from the right side than the left:

    Apfelbaum (whose surname means apple tree in German) is a tall and lanky lad at 6-foot-4, 190 pounds…. began receiving more widespread notice last April, as he traveled to the Dominican Republic

    2. Cool stuff..
      One story about international signings pointed out tht dePaula and Quintero did not get huge money or hype–but became top prospects through player development.

  4. If there is a “lock-out” in 2027, won’t it damage other teams more than the Dodgers and make Free Agents more affordable for the Dodgers in 2028. If so, won’t that also make the Dodger minor leaguers more “tradeable” now than waiting.
    Also what are some BIG names that will become free agents in 2027 and 2028?

    1. From Gemini:

      Based on the current date of January 18, 2026, the 2025-2026 offseason is winding down. The following lists project the notable MLB players scheduled to hit free agency after the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

      Please note that these lists can shift due to contract extensions, player opt-outs, and club options being exercised or declined.

      Free Agents After the 2026 Season (2026-2027 Offseason)
      This class is headlined by elite starting pitching and several young stars who may hit the market early due to contract structures (opt-outs).

      Top Pitchers
      Tarik Skubal (LHP): The Tigers ace is set to be the premier arm of this class if not extended.

      Chris Sale (LHP): Entering his late 30s, the veteran ace (currently with the Braves) is scheduled to hit the open market.

      Kevin Gausman (RHP): The Blue Jays right-hander will be a free agent at the conclusion of his 5-year deal.

      Sandy Alcantara (RHP): The Marlins hold a club option for 2027; if declined, he becomes a top free agent.

      Jesus Luzardo (LHP): A young, high-upside lefty scheduled to hit free agency.

      Shane Bieber (RHP): Depending on his health and rehab from past injuries, he could be a major wild card.

      Raisel Iglesias (RHP): The veteran closer is set to be a free agent.

      Notable Position Players
      Bo Bichette (SS/3B): Recently signed a deal (with the Mets in this timeline) that reportedly includes an opt-out clause after the 2026 season, allowing him to re-enter the market at age 28.

      Luis Robert Jr. (OF): The White Sox hold club options for 2026 and 2027. If the 2027 option is declined, he hits the market here.

      George Springer (OF): The veteran outfielder’s 6-year contract with the Blue Jays expires after this season.

      Anthony Rendon (3B): His massive 7-year contract with the Angels finally concludes.

      Ian Happ (OF): The Cubs outfielder is scheduled for free agency.

      Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2B/OF): Set to hit the open market as a prime-age power/speed threat.

      Ozzie Albies (2B): The Braves hold a club option for 2027; if declined, he is a free agent.

      Nico Hoerner (2B): The Cubs second baseman is scheduled for free agency.

      Free Agents After the 2027 Season (2027-2028 Offseason)
      This class features heavy-hitter veterans and potential opt-out superstars.

      Top Pitchers
      Zack Wheeler (RHP): The Phillies ace is scheduled to be a free agent, though he will be entering his late 30s.

      Jacob deGrom (RHP): His contract with the Rangers is complex with conditional options, but he could potentially hit the market.

      Tyler Glasnow (RHP): The Dodgers hold a club option that could keep him off the market, but without it, he is a free agent.

      Pablo López (RHP): The Twins ace is scheduled for free agency.

      Nathan Eovaldi (RHP): The veteran starter is set to be free.

      Luis Castillo (RHP): Has a vesting option for 2028; if he does not meet the criteria, he becomes a free agent.

      Emmanuel Clase (RHP): The Guardians hold club options that could extend his control, but this is the earliest he could technically be free if options are declined.

      Notable Position Players
      Kyle Tucker (OF): After signing a new deal (with the Dodgers in this timeline), he reportedly holds an opt-out clause after the 2027 season, making him a potential headliner.

      Freddie Freeman (1B): The Dodgers star first baseman’s contract expires, sending him to free agency at age 38.

      Yordan Alvarez (DH/OF): Scheduled to hit free agency, providing one of the best bats on the market.

      Gunnar Henderson (SS) & Adley Rutschman (C): Note: Depending on service time manipulation and arbitration, these young Orioles stars are slated to debut on the free agent market around this time (or 2028), making them the future jewels of the class.

      Austin Riley (3B): The Braves star is set for free agency (barring further extension).

      Byron Buxton (OF): His long-term deal with the Twins expires.

      Marcus Semien (2B): The Rangers veteran infielder will be a free agent.

      Nolan Arenado (3B): His contract is scheduled to expire after the 2027 season.

      Summary of Key Contract Situations
      Opt-Outs: Watch Bo Bichette (after 2026) and Kyle Tucker (after 2027). Their decisions will define the top of the market in their respective years.

      Club Options: Many stars listed above (like Luis Robert Jr., Sandy Alcantara, and Ozzie Albies) have team-friendly club options. If they remain healthy and productive, their teams will likely exercise these options, delaying their free agency by a year or more.

    2. The year to bear in mind with regard to the Dodgers is whenever their RSN deal ends. When that happens the club economics will greatly change as, if the media landscape does not greatly evolve) their next deal will be pennies on the dollar.

      The next few years are extraordinarily bereft of good quality hitters.

      https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/free-agents/_/year/2027/level/mlb/sort/contract_value
      https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/free-agents/available/_/year/2028/level/mlb

      1. The TV contract expires in 2038 . The problem is Boob Manfred wants to sell a national package with rights to all 30 teams in 2029 not sure how that would work with the the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Cubs and Rangers having their own networks.

  5. The only trades the Dodgers should make is getting one of the top 10 or 15 international signees for Miller.

    3 of the top 6 current prospects were international signings and that speaks volumes to their talent level We haven’t had a top 5 draft pick since 1995 and this is probably the only way we can secure some young talent for the future.

    Thus team I s loaded and we have a top 3 farm system. If that doesn’t scare the hell out of the rest of ⚾, nothing will.

    1. In the Modern Era, Wilbur Wood was the only LH Knuckleballer I remember.

      Joe and Phil Neikro and Tim Wakefield were all RH and won more games, but Wood won 164 games and had 4 straight seasons of 20-win seasons. Also, 4 straight seasons with 300+ IP. He was a horse.

        1. Not so according to Wikipedia. They have a list of all the pitchers who used the knuckleball as their primary pitch and Peters is not on that list. He could very well have used it as a secondary pitch, but he was not known and a knuckleballer. Danny Boone, a relief pitcher for the Padres was left-handed and a knuckleballer. Ryan Freeland, 2000-01, Mickey Haefner, 43-50, are the only other lefties on the list, and only Haefner was a starter.

      2. This is interesting. Is this because anyone left-handed with any arm talent pretty much doesn’t need a gimmick pitch?

        Or are there weird mechanical/aerodynamic issues with throwing a knuckler from the left.

        It’s gotta, gotta, gotta be the former, right? (pun?)

        1. Not sure exactly why that is, but the majority of pitchers who threw the knuckler with any success were right-handed. Wilhelm, Hough, Candiotti, Wakefield. A pitch many lefties use that you don’t see many right handers using is the screwball.

    1. Tom Apfelbaum is intriging but at 17 years old, he is hard to project.

      This is over a year old:

  8. Dodgers star Mookie Betts plans to retire after his contract with Los Angeles ends.

    “In an appearance with John Cena on the Roku miniseries “What Drives You with John Cena,” Betts confirmed that he will retire following the 2032 season, at which point he’ll be 40 years old”.“I’ll be 40, my little girl will be 14, my son will be 10,” Betts told Cena. “My parents were always there, and I want do that same thing for my kids.”

  9. Mookie won’t be playing at 40. Can’t see him hanging on past being productive and one of the best players in the game. He’s primed for a big bounce back season in 2026. He should be in great shape and fully healthy unlike last year. Like Betts, I expect Max to have a very solid season this year. If he stays healthy, look for him to put up 25 plus homers. His defense will be the biggest concern. The biggest concern I have is with Pages. I’m hoping his October swoon doesn’t carry over into this season. If it doesn’t, then the Dodgers outfield will be one of the best in baseball. It’s entirely possible that the Dodgers have 6 players with 30 homers. The offense will be much stronger with Tucker in it. Second base is really the only spot with a little uncertainty. Edman’s health. Kim’s sophomore year. Rojas’ age. Kim could turn into a force defensively! He’s already a beast on the bases. His bat? We’ll see. Dalton? Hopefully he gets enough AB’s to keep him productive. Call? Not sure what he brings to the table. Good defense? Yes. Not much power though. Kike? Biggest question still remaining. We all know how much he means to the team. I’m sure he will be a Dodger if it’s up to him. Not sure AF. will sign him just to make the rest of the squad happy.
    The pitching ? The Peralta rumors are fascinating. Helluva pitcher ! But so is Emmit. Seems like it would be more of a move to keep him away from others more than anything else. So unless they actually want to extend him, I don’t think they should move Sheehan. Emmit could still be included in a deal for Donovan or Hoerner. Heck, they have pissed off the baseball community, one more ain’t going to matter!

    1. A lot of players are still playing at 40. Mookie is committed to honoring his contract by age 40 he may well be in the Miguel Rojas role. Don’t discount the man’s desire to do right by the Dodgers. He may do exactly what Bill Russell did and slip into the backup role and occasional pitch hitting role.

  10. Don’t discount his commitment, I don’t believe he will be physically able at 40 to do the things he is used to doing. I can’t imagine him playing at a level unacceptable to his standards. I hope I’m wrong. He and Freddie are a Godsend to the Dodgers. Players like them are what sets them apart from the other teams in baseball. As I said, hopefully I’m wrong. But I don’t see Mookie as a role player.

    Go Hoosiers!

    1. Hoosiers will destroy Miami. Easiest bet in history. Forget your kids’ college savings; bet your grandkids’!

      1. Don’t watch FB , but noticed half way through the 3rd nobody’s kicking anybody’s ass.

    2. Neither do I, but Mookie takes care of his body. Like I said, he won’t be an everyday player, but he will contribute anyway he can. I can see him as one because I have seen some great players in that role, including Albert Pujols.

      1. A lot of us here, including me, used to be eager to move Mookie to 2B to ease his aging body. Even the brass thought Lux should play SS, not 2B, before demonstrating that he really shouldn’t.
        And so Mookie stepped up and stepped over… and now is considered one of the top SSs in the game. Amazing. This despite the illness that sapped his strength early last season.
        Now I think we have at least 3 more seasons with Mookie at SS before he moves to 2B.

  13. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ projected win total for the 2026 season varies slightly by source, with the PECOTA projection at 103.4 wins. Other prominent oddsmakers and projection systems have slightly different figures.

    2026 Win Total Projections
    Source Projected Wins (O/U)
    PECOTA 103.4
    DraftKings 102.5
    BetMGM 99.5
    FanDuel 104.5
    ZiPS/FanGraphs 93

    1. What were their projections for last year and how accurate was that.?
      I did a AI-computer-psychic analysis and came up with 89.3–107.72 for next year

      2. My prediction, regardless how the Dodgers are playing this coming year, there will be people clamoring for Roberts to be fired.

    1. –Peralta isn’t needed, but an offer of Sheehan + Bobby Miller + Ward could get a conversation started.
      –To make the lineup younger, give Kim a full-time opportunity to prove himself. Unlike UT peers Edman, Rojas and the new guy, Kim isn’t a finished product.
      –Also to get younger, give Rushing occasional starts in LF, 1B and DH. Teo, Freddie and Shohei may benefit from the rest as Rushing gets a chance to get his swing working. He also has much to prove.

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