LOS ANGELES -- The most anticipated Dodgers season in quite some time will get going next weekend, after pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch by Thursday to prepare for the 2024 campaign. 

There will be plenty to talk about over the next nine months. But before it all gets started, let’s dive into one last offseason Inbox. 

Any last-minute moves they can make? Guessing for a reliever? -- @akunematata via X

You might’ve heard, but the Dodgers have had a pretty busy winter. But I anticipate they will still add a piece or two before the start of the season. A reliever, specifically Ryan Brasier, makes a lot of sense for both sides, but the right-hander might be looking to cash in on one more big deal before the end of his career.

There seems to be a healthy market for relievers, and Brasier is one of the best remaining. The Dodgers have shown interest throughout his process, but it will ultimately come down to where he wants to play. Los Angeles, of course, has the advantage in that it helped Brasier save his career over the last three months of the season. 

The Dodgers have also been linked to Kenley Jansen, who could be traded from Boston. That would be quite the news, huh? There’s also a future Hall of Famer still in free agency by the name of Clayton Kershaw. It’ll be interesting to see when Kershaw makes his decision, given he won’t be a factor on the mound until at least after the All-Star Game. 

What is the future of Miguel Vargas now that he looks like he will start the year off in Triple-A? Will they develop him as the 3B of the future, or is he more of a 2B/OF now? -- @bluegoon82 via X

This is a good question regarding Vargas. Obviously, the Cuban prospect came into last season with a lot of hype, and he was given the second-base job from the start. With Mookie Betts now the everyday second baseman, Vargas’ path to the Majors is obviously tougher. Vargas will continue to get reps at second and third, but he will also see some time in left field to see how he adapts to the outfield. 

Barring injuries, Vargas will definitely start the season in the Minors, and he’ll have to prove last season was just a fluke when it comes to his offensive numbers. His position will get taken care of if he hits. If he doesn’t, it won’t matter.

Update on [Blake] Treinen, Huddy [Daniel Hudson]? Is it official [Walker] Buehler won’t start the season? Is it a setback or just saving him? -- @herem13 via X

Treinen and Hudson have missed a lot of time over the past two seasons, so they’ll have something to prove this spring. The Dodgers are always going to be cautious with players coming back from injuries, but Treinen and Hudson could come into spring in a good spot. 

As for Buehler, nothing is official until the player or the team fully commits to the plan, but it would be a shock if the right-hander opens the season in the rotation. Los Angeles hasn't said there was a setback, but Buehler was hoping to contribute late last season and wasn’t able to. That could be telling. 

Is the door closed on a Kiké Hernández reunion? -- @ThePVLs via X

Like we mentioned earlier in this Inbox, the Dodgers are probably not done adding this winter, and Hernández is certainly one of the players they’re keeping a tab on. Getting Hernández would require Los Angeles to part with one of its current Major League position players, which could be tricky. But the Dodgers were able to trade AJ Pollock for Craig Kimbrel just two seasons ago. Maybe they can do something similar this time around, creating a spot for Hernández. 

Will Shohei [Ohtani] hit in front of Freddie Freeman, considering how many doubles Freddie hit last year? -- @RizziMike via X

Deciding how to stack up the top of the lineup with Betts, Freeman and Ohtani is quite the problem for manager Dave Roberts, isn’t it? 

This will be something the Dodgers play around with this spring and there will be plenty of discussions with all three players. My guess, at this point, is that Ohtani will hit second behind Betts, with Freeman sitting in the three-hole. 

Do you think [Gavin] Lux gets everyday ABs to start the year, or will they platoon him and his .587 career OPS vs. LHP? -- @BriRobitaille via X 

Los Angeles still has Miguel Rojas on the roster, and he’ll certainly get some run against lefties this season. But at some point, the Dodgers will have to set Lux loose to see what they have in the young shortstop. But most importantly, the club will look to keep Lux healthy and fresh as he’s coming off multiple significant injuries to his right knee and hamstring.

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