Dodgers Linked to $11.5 Million All-Star in Potential Blockbuster Trade
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to bolster their roster depth ahead of a season where they will seek a third straight World Series title.
The Dodgers can use help throughout the outfield and the bullpen, especially, but they may also look to improve their infield platoon.
Los Angeles has one of the more robust lineups, and given all the extra postseason baseball the team has played over the years, the Dodgers would be smart to add new position players.
The trade market and free agency pose plenty of opportunities for the Dodgers to add some hitting below the big three of Ohtani, Freeman, and Betts.
According to Jason Fray of Dodgers Nation, Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, a slugging infielder, could make sense for the right price, especially as a player who can fill in for Tommy Edman, who is undergoing ankle surgery and should be eased back into action.
Lowe still has one year left on his deal with the Rays, though that could create a perfect rental opportunity that could help in the immediate future.
“Tampa recently picked up a club option for the 2026 season. As a one-year rental, the Dodgers could do a whole lot worse,” Fray wrote.
“Lowe hit 31 homers last year, and at only 31 years of age, it's very unlikely he'll endure a sudden fall from his current standing. Given the fact he'll be a free agent after the 2026 season, the package to acquire him likely wouldn't be overly expensive.
“Lowe is above the 75th percentile in more than a handful of advanced metrics - including xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel percentage, hard-hit percentage, LA sweet-spot percentage, and bat speed. He does, however, grade out as an objectively horrible defender. The Dodgers strictly would be acquiring Lowe for his ability to slug.”
The Dodgers will also have Kike Hernandez, their do-it-all utility player, miss the start of the season due to shoulder surgery.
At second base, Los Angeles projects to re-sign Miguel Rojas, but the limited depth right off the bat could result in a move for an infielder.
JJ Redick Reveals Expectations for New Lakers Addition
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick is excited to see what the team’s latest addition, Drew Timme, is going to bring to the table. Redick has set his expectations for the Gonzaga standout, who was signed to a two-way contract on November 24.
Speaking to reporters a day after Timme was signed, Redick discussed what Timme would add to the Lakers. He praised the big man’s ability to make plays on the block, as well as his other skills like shooting and rebounding.
“He is tremendously skilled offensively. We haven’t really had a big here as a hub, as like a passing guy that you can kind of play out of the high post with. (
Timme made his Lakers debut against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday during garbage time. He scored his first bucket in purple and gold colors, and added a steal in just a minute of action.
LeBron James Compares Redick to Legendary Coach
Before becoming a head coach, JJ Redick learned under some great mentors as a player, like Stan Van Gundy with the Orlando Magic
However, Redick’s greatest mentor is arguably Mike Krzyzewski, who was his coach at Duke University. LeBron James even compared him to Coach K on a recent episode of the “Mind The Game”
“It’s been no sugarcoating with the coaches that put him in the position that he’s in today. I had an opportunity to play for Coach K a couple of times. Coach K, there’s no sugarcoating. He’s gonna tell you exactly how he feels if you’re not doing it right. But it’s going to be in a very stern, but loving way,” James said, via
James played under Krzyzewski in three major tournaments: the 2007 FIBA Americas, the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.
Redick Wants to Win NBA Cup
After beating the LA Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers clinched a spot in the knockout rounds of the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup. While some fans and players still don’t care about the In-Season Tournament, JJ Redick wants to win it.
“I really enjoyed it as a broadcaster, covering it, talking about it. Didn’t get an opportunity to compete for the cup last year, so we’re excited. I mean, $53,000 is a lot of money. It just is. So I’m sure there’s some extra motivation,” Redick said, via
The Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023, when they were coached by Darvin Ham. LeBron James was named NBA Cup MVP.
