The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off of a postseason filled with confusion. On one hand, they made it all the way to the NL Championship Series, where they lost to the eventual World Series winners Atlanta Braves. On the other hand, many Dodgers fans perhaps expected more out of this lineup, as they were the defending champions.

Compounding the Dodgers woes now is the legitimate possibility that two big members of their starting pitcher rotation might leave in the off-season. Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer (who came up huge for LA in their postseason run) are free agents this off-season, and the front office is reportedly gearing up to prepare for their potential departure. (via USA Today)

“The Dodgers did not offer Kershaw a qualifying offer after missing the playoffs with a strained flexor tendon, and engaged in trade talks with the Reds about Castillo and Gray. But if Kershaw wants to return, no problem, a spot will be left for him.”

It seems like the Dodgers are looking at Cincinnati's right-handers Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray as potential replacements for their two big free agents. Both pitchers are extremely solid options that can provide immediate impact for LA. Of course. keeping Kershaw and Scherzer is the top priority right now: at their peaks, the two are undeniably the best pitchers in the league. But in case the two aren't exactly happy with their situation, it helps to have a backup plan.

Dodgers president Andrew Friedman at least seems confident they'll be able to retain Kershaw, who has been in Los Angeles his entire career.

“I’m confident we’ll be able to figure something out… It’s not just what he’s meant looking back,’’ Friedman said, “it’s also what we think he will do for our championship odds in ’22.’’

Stay tuned.