8:48pm: In addition to Rendon, the Dodgers have met with free-agent right-hander Stephen Strasburg, Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times reports. The Dodgers are currently set to lose Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill to free agency, and while they have internal options to replace them, adding Strasburg to the fold would represent a seismic upgrade to an already strong rotation mix.
Like Rendon, Strasburg can be reasonably expected to come with major luxury tax implications, as he’s viewed as a near-lock to secure a $30MM+ annual salary on the heels of perhaps his finest season. The former No. 1 overall pick led the National League with 209 innings and pitched to a 3.32 ERA with 10.8 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 and a 51.1 percent ground-ball rate during the regular season, but it was the playoffs where he shined brightest.
In 36 1/3 postseason frames, Strasburg logged a 1.98 ERA with a ridiculous 47-to-4 K/BB ratio. He not only went toe-to-toe with eventual AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander in a must-win Game 6 showdown but delivered a masterful, near-complete game effort that forever cemented him in Nationals lore.
The Dodgers would be hard-pressed to sign Strasburg and remain south of the luxury tax — particularly since their previous pursuits of premier free agents have tended to feature shorter-term pacts at extremely high annual rates. Just what type of deal the Dodgers envision putting in front of Strasburg and agent Scott Boras isn’t clear, but the current iteration of the L.A. front office, under president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, has yet to dole out a contract longer than five years.
10:59am: Free agent third baseman Anthony Rendon has been actively engaged with multiple teams in free agency. In addition to a sit-down with the Rangers, he has held a recent meeting with the Dodgers, according to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney.
It seems that other teams may also have had face-time with Rendon and agent Scott Boras, though their identities aren’t known. Intense early interest is creating the potential for a fairly quick and dramatic strike, with some unnamed execs around the game telling Olney they expect Rendon to be the first major free agent to sign — and that his new deal “could establish a record for highest annual value.”
That last note represents the latest hint that Rendon won’t be chasing the largest deal in overall value, spread over a huge term, as did former teammate Bryce Harper. Instead, he seems to be intrigued by the possibility of a shorter, higher-AAV pact that leaves him with greater flexibility. No shortage of teams would prefer that sort of arrangement as well — including, especially, the big-market Dodgers, who don’t mind plunking down premium salaries but prefer not to tie their hands too far into the future.
We had already learned of the connection between the Los Angeles outfit and Rendon, so it isn’t especially surprising to hear that they’ve taken the next step. But it’s still quite a notable news item for both team and player. On the Dodgers’ side, dedicated pursuit of Rendon would reshape their roster and payroll, with huge implications for the remainder of the winter and beyond. And for Rendon, the strong involvement of the L.A. behemoth not only opens a potentially promising opportunity, but provides ample leverage in talks with other trade partners.
So, is it down to the Dodgers and Rangers? Not so fast. We haven’t yet learned whether the Nationals will remain involved after making multiple efforts to keep Rendon from reaching free agency; that’s a realistic possibility that certainly hasn’t been ruled out. And there are quite a few other contenders that seem like plausible fits for Rendon, even at the premium price tag he seems destined to command.
Yes! Please Andrew Friedman, we beg you! Please!!!!
What if it’s 3 years 140 million?
Sounds good.
As Dodger fans, at this point, the only thing we care about anymore is rings…
Didn’t realize they get rings for winning the pennant.
I think you missed the point Juan.
You have been disappointed since 1988
He means, “do what it takes to get the ring, even if it means spending crazy money.” You have assumed the wrong intent because in fact you are by all accounts, a hater.
Trade Kershaw now to make room for proven post season performers!
Good luck with that contract.
Teams would line up to trade for Kershaw because presumably he wouldn’t cost that much in prospects — starting with the Rangers, Angels, Phillies, Padres and of course the Yankees. Maybe even the Twins and White Sox too
Yes, let’s trade the best Dodger pitcher since Koufax but keep the dummy who sent him back out for another inning, with the entire bullpen ready to go. Brilliant! Really brilliant.
I’m sort of hoping this works for Rendon. If he signs with the Dodgers, that means he doesn’t go to the Phillies nor the Nats. That bodes well for the braves twofold, he isn’t in our division, and the Dodgers all of a sudden have surplus at 3B. DOB of the Athletic made mention of the possibility of Turner being the odd man out even though he has mentioned moving to other positions. We make a trade for Pederson and Turner and sign Bumgarner.
Turner would almost certainly move to 1B in this scenario, but Joc is more than likely available.
Turner to 1st, Muncy to 2nd and Lux platoons or is moved as part of a package for Lindor.
You forgot about Seager
A trade with turner, seager, and Chris Taylor for lindor would be awesome if they can sign Rendon. Can leave Muncy alone at 1B and let Lux develop at 2B.
Why would Cleveland want one year of Turner, a utility guy, and 2 years of Seager for Lindor? Clearly Lux and more would be in the deal, not a bunch of vets.
That would be perfect but Friedman is a little girl when it comes to big moves in the offseason
That’s actually 5 years of control and 3 instant starters for Cleveland. I doubt LA would offer that for Lindor.
He’s off to Boston as part of a package for Betts.
I this hypothetical; Turner isn’t going anywhere. Pederson becomes available in that and Lux works his way into the OF grass which is what they were thinking about doing anyway leading into last spring. It always make me laugh a bit when people suggest Turner is available.
You are aptly named, Angelzero. Seager will not be traded, nor will Turner. Joc, perhaps, although he will be missed.
A healthy Verdugo will make you forget Joc in a hurry. The Dodgers should be looking at adding relief pitchers.
There is no chance that the Dodgers get Lindor for that package. Think of both teams needs.
JT to 1B and Muncy to 2B. Seager stays at SS.
Kike or CT probably gone.
Turner has already Volunteered to move to first & could play 2nd where he started his career. He is a local guy with many business ventures in the area, the leader of that team among position players & will probably sign a short extension once his contract runs out after next year.
Agree! Turner will not be traded. He is the best thing to happen to LA in a long time
Turner can’t play second anymore. The last time he tried, he was terrible, and his knees have not gotten better.
Sorry Alex Anthopoulous, Turner is a Dodger for the rest of his career in the Utley/Freese role.
Turner will move to first base if the Dodgers sign him. Dodgers will not be trading Turner. He’s too much of a clubhouse leader and does great work in the community.
It extends further than that he’s still an invaluable bat. He’s just a a Southern California guy that is going to transition to the Freese/Utley role. It’s a perfect spot to transition him quite honestly.
lol
So much for all the hand-wringing about the Dodgers wanting to avoid the luxury tax again! They can afford it, and why not?
Rendon to the Dodgers makes almost too much sense. I think he signs for 7 years, 245 million.
If he’s looking for the highest AAV, he’s not getting 7 years. More like 4 or 5
6/$228 = $38m AAV
I think 6 years is too long for the LAD.
Rendon said he views baseball as a job and wants to retire as soon as possible. So a high annual salary with short term makes sense.
wow thats the attitude i would want on my team!!
Yeah! That concerned me, too, when I first heard it. Maybe he is just being honest? However, it does give one pause.
It’s a job
They probably all feel that way. He is just the only one to say it in public. The only people who are truly dedicated to their team are the fans.
1/$200m? that’s ASAP. Lol
If that was true he could retire now. He’s made 50 million dollars. He should retire.
obviously anyone would want Rendon’s talent, but him saying he is going to retire as soon as he hits a certain age is going to hurt him in FA
I don’t see how it does at all. I think it helps him. If you polled GMs I think their risk aversion leads significantly in the way of shorter term deals that don’t pay for decline years. Him saying he wants to retire by X says nothing more than what everyone probably does does.
You don’t seem to realize the ridiculousness of that comment do you? Any player that receives for example 50 million in career earnings doesn’t actually receive anywhere near that amount. Taxes easily take somewhere in the neighborhood of 50% of that amount in federal and state taxes. Add in agent fees and other expenses and that player might be lucky to have net maybe $22 million of that.
While 22 million is still an awful lot and certainly a sum one could “retire” on… it’s not 50 million. And when potentially leaving 100 million or more on the table? It’s certainly understandable why a player wouldn’t just walk away from it regardless of how excited they were or weren’t about the prospects of continued employment
You mean athletes pay taxes too? Wow, I thought it was just me.
He has one more big payday and then he is hanging it up. $50 million is a lot of dough for us normies. But when you live the millionaire life you want to ensure you keep it until you are dead. And $50 million is probably $20 million after taxes, lawyers and agents.
NO STOP IT JUST GO TO THE RANGERS!
They’d have to blow him away to sign in Texas. Dodgers have playoff contention year after year.
Though with Friedman’s refusal to pay a penny more than the spreadsheet suggests, the Rangers probably have a better chance.
You realize he doesn’t set the payroll budget, right?
45 mil for four years
Each year?
Thought this said Anthony rendon Mets but why would it say that
A trade with turner, seager, and Chris Taylor for lindor would be awesome if they can sign Rendon. Can leave Muncy alone at 1B and let Lux develop at 2B.
Awesome for the Dodgers. Try to be more neutral with your trade proposals.
Why would Cleveland do that?
Would the Angels go big for 5 years 200-215. They need to do something since they have dont nothing so far this off season.
The Angels need to spend all their money on pitching and an everyday catcher.
He would be a great addition to any team, but I would rather see the Dodgers pursue pitching in Strasburg, Cole, Ryu, or Wheeler.
Not trying to argue that, but look at it this way.. Rendon would balance the lineup, no more struggles against LHP, and would have a chance to help the Dodgers win a game every day. The Dodgers rotation right now, would be Buehler, Kershaw, Maeda, Urias and either of May or Gonsolin. That’s a damned good rotation.
There are significant question marks to that rotation. To me that’s not at any way indicative of a playoff rotation.
Urias won’t be stretched to be a full time starter until 21. There’s little way and even if they tried you can expect he’d be gassed down the stretch. Maeda is a pen guy in the playoffs not a rotation guy or even consideration as a playoff rotation guy. May and Gonsolin similar situation as being stretched to full time starter concerns. May has velo, but lacks a consistent 3rd pitch and Gonsolin showed velo, but didn’t really miss bats. Downs provides more depth, but expecting him to provide length and stay stretch is a bad ask. To me if you wanted to consider Urias/May as 5th guys sure, maybe even Maeda as a 4 until the playoffs assuming there’s a huge lead, but you’d no doubt need at least two SPs come playoff time assuming health. Yeah definitely not a playoff rotation. And if that’s what they go into the season with, it more than conceivable the Dodgers could relinquish the division title.
This is right. The Dodgers are in definite need of a top of the rotation starter and I don’t see how they do that deed and sign Rendon and stay under the all-important (to them) CBT threshold. This is even before we get to the deficiencies in the bullpen, which run pretty much top to bottom. I don’t believe this Rendon chatter any more than I believed the Harper chatter last year at this very same time. I see a lot of people doing a lot of dreaming here when the lesson of the last few years should be not to think big because clearly management thinks small.
Urias is 23 now…
Sure he is 23, but he won’t be fully stretch out in 20 he’ll definitely have a ceiling and transition to the pen. 21 is really when you’ll see him handle a full time starters load.
That’s a pretty shaky playoff rotation outside of Buehler. Not to mention we still desperately need bullpen help and throw in a new manager while you’re at it. I just don’t see management signing Rendon and a much needed starting pitcher.
That doesn’t address their biggest need, the bullpen.
I had a sweet dream that El Doyers signed Rendon and either Cole or Stras, traded Joc and Seager for One Year of Mookie-if only to give me the chance to yell Mmookie! Like Smiley said in “Do The Right Thing” and maybe get back to the WS. But alas it was only a dream and I woke up sourly knowing the Dodgers will probably do none of these things.
That would be almost $90 million in added salary and would absolutely blow past all the luxury tax thresholds. Zero chance the Dodgers do all of that.
Dreams don’t have salary concerns.
& Dodged the Mets
The famous Boras bidding war begins once again.
Rendón won’t sign with the Dodgers. He wants to win it all again.
He’d have as good of a chance with the Dodgers as anybody else.
That’s about the truth.
Would there be a better infield in baseball than Rendon at 3b, Seager at SS, Muncy at 2b, and Turner at 1b? Not only would they have a ton of power, but they’d be be in the upper echelon defensively as well.
You think that’s,a,good right side? I don’t.
The Phillies just cleared half of Rendon’s salary with two non-tenders so there’s that.
They sort of just cleared 13 M they were paying both last year, so that’s probably closer to a 1/3.
He’s a waste of money. The Dodgers need pitchers. Bullpen and starting.
There is no free agent reliever that would be expensive. Will Harris? Please give me Rendon any day.
Rendon to LA 3 yrs, 125M. Book it.
Those are crackhead prices. No way!!!!
Dodgers trade Seager, Lux and Stripling to Cleveland for Lindor and Kluber. Move Turner to 1st and sign Rendon to a 3-4 year deal. Use Pederson as trade to shore up bullpen.. That is the move of this Winter!
I’ll co-sign that. That would be the smartest move
Need to offer more than that for Lindor and Kluber.
Batting: Lindor, Turner, Rendon, Bellinger, Muncy, Pollock, Smith, Verdugo, Pitchers spot.
Rotation: Buehler, Ryu, Kluber, Kershaw, Urias/May/Gonsolin
BOOM!
Ryu is gone at this point my man
Am I the only one who read the first three words of that headline and entertained the possibility of him coming to Queens?
Yeah
I don’t see the Dodgers signing Rendon.
While it would be nice, I think the money is better spent on pitching.
Now there has been rumblings the Cubs could make Chris Bryant available via trade if we really need a 3B.
Or go ahead and and package Verdugo with Joc and a couple of young pitchers for Lindor and Kluber.
There’s a lot of options but will all depend on The Dodger Brass, Belinger has a big payday coming soon.
In the end it’s all about the money.
If they signed signed rendon to the deal they were offering Harper and resigned ryu I wouldn’t be mad.
But I think the best way to upgrade the team would be to sign cole/strasburg and trade for lindor.
1.lindor 2.seager 3.turner 4.bellinger 5.muncy 6. Pollack 7. Verdugo 8.smith
Rotation 1.cole/stras 2.walker 3. Kersh 4. Maeda 5.urias/May/gonsolin
Could live with that option
For people who think the Dodgers would ever trade Turner, please let me put it in a way that everyone will understand. Turner is just as “untouchable” as Bellinger. Turner is the heart and the soul of the team, the unofficial team captain. It would absolutely ruin player morale, and the Dodgers know it. I think the Dodger will try to trade Pederson and Seager, perhaps others, but not Bellinger or Turner.
Exactly. If anyone wants to talk about team chemistry on the Dodgers, Turner is the active ingredient. Makes a lot more sense to move him to first to platoon with Muncy who on other days can play 2B. One of the other obvious solutions is moving Seager to 3B and Lux to SS. With the Dodgers it makes sense to consider how they’d mix and match the players already on the roster than to assume their plans will depend on a big free agent signing. The former they’ve done a lot. The latter, not at all.
that’s close to my thoughts. Seager to 3rd, Lux to SS, Turner 1b, Muncy 2b.
Only difference i have is Cole (Stras concerns me buuut…), big importance is bring back Ryu. Then redo Madea’s to include incentives to give him same contract potental as his current deal that only involves performance as an SP. Now if Madea simply doesn’t want to move to the pen… as a closer, point out Eckersley (sp?). He was done as elite level SP, hardly even mid-level. Moved him to close and he redefined the RP/closer role
Perhaps Maeda has tjat in him as well.
My look still lacks a true LO hitter, anyone know what Steve Sax is doing these days (rhetorical not a question)?
Cole/Stras, Bueller, Kershaw, Ryu, May/Gonso/Urias…that’s a rotation built to win a WS. A big RH bat can still be added cuz someone still has to play offense in the PS.
Their LO hitter is fine, and really only matters once a game. Pederson does exactly what they want from a LO guy get on base and provides some pop. I don’t believe they really trade Pederson without a clear offensive upgrade. They also have in house options should they trade Joc. Which sucks in a sense, because he has developed into an enjoyable hitter to watch, and was one of the few that has hit in the playoffs. Either way any imagination of a running game fits better lower in the order, and logically makes more sense for their middle of the lineup. I’m not sure they truly believe Lux is their everyday SS, and Seager is pretty entrenched there so he’s not getting moved unless they acquire a guy like Lindor. To me it seems clear his athleticism/speed are basically a perfect fit in CF. In fact it’s the bat they value the most. We know the Dodgers have zero trouble have guys plugging guys into the OF.
It’s also clear Maeda has no interest in being a full time RP, but he’s done it because he hasn’t been better than any of the four, so it really is a fit and doesn’t truly matter if he’s a RP during the regular season. Everyone harps on the bullpen when it’s actually pretty good. The problem hasn’t been the pen with maybe the exception of 18, it’s been the usage. Hell we just saw the Nats win a WS with two pen arms. They do need a LH RP, but the pen is pretty crowded/set. Even on the note it’ll be interesting to see what Jansen looks like actually having a fully healthy offseason. The Dodgers have an abundance of guys that will see them transitioned as the season winds down. Whether it’s May, Maeda, Urias, and/or Gonsolin there are clear reinforcements for this pen. The clear questions is who can they fit in the rotation on the road, that during a playoff series. And finding a guy to replace Hill who has been nails in that 4th slot a weakness that reared its head when Hill was hurt. All in all that’s pretty winded way of saying they need 2 guys. Even if it’s just a guy with the upside of a #2 and another with an upside of #3.
Coincidentally, this headline is the closest a “Met” will get to Anthony Rendon. Ever.
Rendon is the best position player out there, but I thinks Cole and Strasburg are the difference makers. Whoever gets them is the real winner this winter. Pitching wins championships not great position players.
Never going to happen…..
Ok here’s the plan. Sign Rendon, Strasburg, and cole. Then trade lux for Lindor. Then trade Peterson, ruiz and May for Betts, then we should be looking pretty good for next year. Thoughts?
I’d love to see us sign those guys but if we sign Rendon then Turner goes to 1st and Muncy plays second so I do get trading for Linder as well. But where will he play? We would need to include Saeger in the deal with Lux for Lindor so Lindor plays SS. Other wise that doesn’t work out. I just don’t see us signing so many guys and trading so many guys lol. Basically like we would be rubbing half of a new team and chemistry is huge with this team.
I’m really tired of getting my hopes up that this team will actually spend and they never do. I just can’t believe it until I see because otherwise I’m just getting excited for no reason again and I’m kind of over it. As if it’s not bad enough to get so close each season and lose but then during the off season we see guys we could get to help us win it all go to other teams each year. Hopefully this is the year we see them come through for us but I just am not buying it until it actually happens.
Strasburg yes, Rendon is not necessary
Strasburg gives them the ace in the playoffs. Sign the relief dude from astros and call it a day. Then trade pederson, may, ruiz for another legit ace. The pitching cost the dodgers more than offense did….maeda needs to be permanent bullpen piece going forward thats it. Got way to many out field pieces than they know what to do with (beaty, taylor, hernandez, pederson) all need to go for bullpen parts or far away pitching prospects. If you want an impact i think trading seager instead of lux makes more sense for lindor.
Typical Freidman move. He’s “in” on everyone but will announce/leak when it’s over, that the “…two sides were just inches apart, but could not close the gap.” He won’t say that ALL of his negotiations were orchestrated to KEEP those inches in place. The Owners and Freidman are committed to staying under the MLB payroll tax for 3 more years (5 years total in the original financial plan) and no active pursuit of a World Series Championship is going to get in the way of that commitment as long as the Dodgers continue to sell more seats than anyone else in the MLB each year – last 7 years in a row.
5yr/$200m – $40m AAV
Watch it be the braves or angels.
Why doesn’t baseball just set a salary cap or make the luxury tax hurt teams take away first round draft picks if you go over.
There’s nothing wrong w/ the setup for MLB. Teams are getting smarter and no longer paying for previous performances. Why should they?
IF I were a player with reasonable talent, I’d take a base salary with bonuses based on performance that allows me to maximize based on skill set.
I wonder if the braves are remotely interested in Rendon. Idk. Just seems like he should be high on our radar but the price tag is keeping us far away from him.
With Rendon wanting higher AAV, I think that might put Atlanta out of range. They have flexibility in the future years, not as much in 2020 or 2021 for a big contract like that.
I’d rather have JD, I think he brings a certain attitude and flair that Atlanta has lacked in awhile. FF is a terrific leader, but he’s a soft-spoken leader.
I think the attitude JD brings is a key component to the right “blend” in the dugout.