Projecting Dodgers 2021 Opening Day Lineup if 2020 Season is Cancelled
By Jerry Trotta
With contradicting reports about the fate of the 2020 MLB season surfacing left and right in recent weeks, there's really no telling if there will be baseball this year. The chain reaction would obviously impact several clubs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers undoubtedly fall under that category.
Stars like outfielder Mookie Betts and third baseman Justin Turner are slated for free agency, and it remains to be seen if Los Angeles is keen on extending either player. In other words, the Dodgers lineup could look a lot different come next season.
Dodgers, Turner Hadn't Discussed Extension Prior To Transaction Freeze https://t.co/bGXkg0QT3j pic.twitter.com/4slCHESwAc
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) May 8, 2020
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at what sort of team manager Dave Roberts could be rolling out come Opening Day next season.
Projecting Dodgers 2021 Opening Day Lineup
Mookie Betts, RF
Max Muncy, 1B
Cody Bellinger, LF
Corey Seager, SS
AJ Pollock, CF
Gavin Lux, 2B
Matt Beaty, 3B
Will Smith, C
Clayton Kershaw, P
BREAKING: The trade that will send Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers has been agreed upon, sources tell ESPN. Outfielder Alex Verdugo and shortstop Jeter Downs are among those who will go to the Boston Red Sox.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 9, 2020
As you can see, our projection indicates that the Dodgers agree to an extension with Betts, whether it be short- or long-term We just don't see a scenario where they let the former AL MVP walk after giving up a haul to acquire him via trade this offseason. With that being said, don't expect Turner to return to Los Angeles next year. Reports confirm that the two sides haven't entered contract negotiations. Expect Matt Beaty, who hit .265/.317/.458 with nine home runs and 46 RBI in 99 games last year, to start at third base, albeit in a rotation with utility man Chris Taylor.
Los Angeles has the reinforcements to overcome losing a slugger of Turner's caliber and this card, assuming the club re-signs Betts, would still give the club one of the best lineups in the game.