The Dodgers Sleeper Hits: Three Under-the-Radar Deals That Exceeded Expectations

‘Tis the free agent signing season, and everybody in baseball is looking for the best deal. The Los Angeles Dodgers are not done improving their team this winter, according to General Manager Brandon Gomes, but it’s been quiet the last few weeks. While waiting for the Dodgers’ next big splash, here are three under-the-radar (at the time) deals that had the biggest impact on franchise history.

Three Under-the-Radar Deals That Most Helped the Dodgers

Red Turn 2

Justin Turner served as a utility infielder for the New York Mets before being released at the end of 2013. The Dodgers signed him to a minor league contract after third-base coach Tim Wallach saw him hit at a Cal State Fullerton Alumni game. He was given an invite to spring training and earned a roster spot. In his nine years with the Dodgers, he became a fan favorite while garnering two All-Star Game appearances. He also was co-National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player in 2017 and a World Series Champion in 2020. Over his career with the Dodgers, he had a .296 batting average. Ironically, Turner got his revenge on the team that let him go. He had a batting average of .526 with six doubles in the Division Series in 2015 against the Mets. However, New York would prevail in the series.

A Favor

There was almost no scouting on Mike Piazza. Most thought he was a defensive liability. As a result, he was the 1,390th overall pick in the 62nd round of the 1988 Major League Draft by Los Angeles. It was the last pick that year and Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda did it as a favor to Piazza’s dad, Vincent. Lasorda also suggested a position change from first base to catcher. Observers remained skeptical.

Eventually, the potency of Piazza’s bat would not be ignored, and he made the big league club in 1993. He won NL Rookie of the Year honors, belting 35 home runs and sporting a .318 batting average with 112 runs batted in, and earned his first of 12 All-Star appearances. Dodgers eventually traded the future Hall of Famer away, but before he was done playing, the one-time first baseman would be only one of eight players to hit over 400 home runs, hold a .300 batting average, and strike out less than 100 times a season in his career. Not bad for the last pick in the draft.

Almost a Giant

“The Left Arm of God” had an inauspicious start coming out of high school. Sandy Koufax was invited to try out for the New York Giants. He was so nervous during the workout that he uncorked a fastball over the catcher’s head. This deterred the Giants, and as a result, the left-hander would ultimately sign with the Dodgers.

However, the left-hander would still struggle with his control. That is, until spring training of 1961. Gil Hodges, Koufax’s teammate, was managing the B-squad game and told the left-hander that because the pitcher who was supposed to spell him after five innings had missed a flight, Koufax would have to pitch longer than anticipated. The future Hall of Famer took some time to find his mechanics, but no-hit his opponents for seven innings. Koufax never looked back. The three-time Cy Young Award winner would go on to pitch four no-hitters, including a perfect game, win three pitching Triple Crowns, and win four World Series (1955, 1959, 1963, 1965). He was also named National League Most Valuable Player in 1963. Many consider Koufax the greatest left-hander of all time.

To think that the history of a franchise could turn on an alumni baseball game, a friendship, and an overthrown fastball just shows how great the game of baseball is, and it is worth more than millions of dollars.