Dodgers offseason begins with Teoscar Hernandez and others becoming free agents

Outfielder Juan Soto became a free agent this offseason. Will the Dodgers, who just faced him in the World Series, be able to play for him?

(Wally Scalage / Los Angeles Times)

The most obvious holes in next year’s lineup, as things stand now, are in the outfield and in the starting rotation.

Even if the Dodgers keep Betts in right field (the position he just switched back to later that year after initially moving to the infield), the club was left without a left fielder and Teoscar Hernandez became a free agent. They could play Edman at center, but only if they have another option at shortstop. They also have Pages, Taylor and James Outman on the roster, but none of those three have been able to secure day-to-day roles this year.

That’s one reason why, even after spending more than $1 billion last winter, the Dodgers could be in on another expensive free-agent sweepstakes for superstars. Juan Soto this offseason, especially if they don’t re-sign Hernandez.

In terms of rotation, the Dodgers will likely need at least one, if not more, new starting pitchers.

Given the limited workload of Ohtani, May, Gonsolin and Kershaw, who are expected to recover from injuries, and the six-day routine Yamamoto has maintained this year after arriving from Japan, it’s possible the Dodgers use a six-man rotation for spares . next season.

And unless they plan to rely entirely on unproven prospects, they’ll have to bolster their depth.

The top end of the free agent starting pitching market is rich with talent, including former Cy Young Award winners. Blake Snell (whom the Dodgers played poorly at the end of last offseason) and Corbin Burns (in whom the Dodgers once had trade interest), as well as the Atlanta Braves left-hander. Max Fried.

The Dodgers also have high regard for the Japanese pitcher. Rocky Sasakia promising 23-year-old talent who could be sent to MLB clubs this winter.

Another name the Dodgers will be keeping an eye on this offseason: Shortstop Willie Adams, who has ties to the president of baseball operations. Andrew Friedman going back to his days in Tampa Bay.

If the Dodgers decide to make Edman a full-time center fielder, someone like Adames could be another potential big-name addition to fill the shortstop vacancy, especially after he hit a career-high 32 home runs last year.