Unpredictable Dodgers set to open season with these questions unanswered

Might the Dodgers pursue a trade for someone such as the Pirates’ Bryan Reynolds, shown sliding against L.A., during the season?

(Justin K. Aller / Getty Images)

Going into opening day, it’s difficult to feel as though the Dodgers aren’t a piece or two short of being a true contender — especially after the major offseason upgrades fellow title contenders such as the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets made this winter.

The team could use a high-end shortstop or a more dynamic bat in the outfield or another frontline starter to protect against injuries or underperformance.

And even at this point, it’s easy to see trade targets for all those holes emerging before the midseason trade deadline.

Maybe the Milwaukee Brewers will drop out of contention and try to flip Corbin Burnes and/or Willy Adames. Perhaps the Pittsburgh Pirates will finally give in to Bryan Reynolds’ trade request. It’s possible another unforeseen name emerges over the coming months, the kind of impact addition that could alter the fabric of the Dodgers’ season.

Friedman hasn’t been afraid to take such swings before, particularly in seasons (i.e. 2018 and 2021) the Dodgers weren’t running away with an NL West title.

It’s easy to envision the team being back in that position this season — off to a good start, but lacking the firepower of an obvious title favorite.

If they are, and the right trade targets emerge, the Dodgers might have to decide whether it’s time to leverage their highly ranked farm system again for a blockbuster deal.