The Los Angeles Dodgers still aren’t over the sign-stealing scandal involving the 2017 World Series against the Houston Astros, as evidenced by some recent comments from Clayton Kershaw. Even players who have left the team are still the subject of loud boos at Dodger Stadium.
While that 2017 Astros team will always have a major asterisk next to it, there’s no denying that roster had some excellent talent. Many of those players have had a lot of success in the years that followed the cheating scandal.
Third baseman Alex Bregman was named to his first All-Star team since the scandal broke in 2025 (third overall). He decided to opt out of his contract with the Boston Red Sox and is prepared to sign a big contract in free agency.
Bregman is reviled by the Dodgers fan base despite the fact that he played poorly in that infamous 2017 World Series. It’s likely been long enough that fans could embrace him if he plays well. It’s a possibility that Los Angeles could be interested. The Dodgers are a close second in the odds to land Bregman at +500, per BetOnline.
Dodgers Might Be Less Inclined to Add a New 3B Right Now
The Dodgers decided to pick up Max Muncy’s $10 million option, so there isn’t a need at third base. However, Muncy isn’t the player he once was and is 35 now.
Eventually, the Dodgers will need to make a change at third base. That said, they could be inclined to give Muncy one more season in Los Angeles and let him ride off into the sunset like they did with Kershaw.
Bregman is an upgrade and younger, but he’s going to be a lot more expensive than Muncy. It’s difficult to see how a Bregman and Dodgers marriage would work right now. According to the odds, it’s very possible, but it seems more likely that he plays elsewhere.
Munetaka Murakami Still a Possibility
Making the Bregman even less likely is the fact that Munetaka Murakami’s free agency still looms. The Japanese star is set to join MLB this offseason. He’s primarily a third baseman, so he’d make more sense as Muncy’s successor, considering he’s only 25.
BetOnline also has the Dodgers as the favorites to land Murakami. That may just be because of the team’s success in convincing Japanese stars to join the franchise in recent years. It seems like there’s less traction with Murakami.
He’s an exciting talent, but he’s got major strikeout issues that should concern MLB teams. Having Muncy in the building makes it more interesting, as the Dodgers would have a great safety blanket if Murakami were to struggle.
His contact issues have tempered contract predictions. In fact, NBC Sports projects that he’ll sign a three-year, $51 million contract this offseason, which would be a reasonable price for the Dodgers to pay.
“Murakami’s serious flaws and lack of defensive value will make his deal much cheaper than initial reports suggest,” James Schiano wrote. “There will be an acknowledgment of his ceiling though driven by the gaudy power and plus-plus swing decisions.”
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