ESPN’s Jeff Passan is the latest MLB analyst to commend the Los Angeles Dodgers’ effective approach to this year’s offseason, as the defending champions have signed the top free agent of the winter and baseball’s best closer.
Before the Dodgers even landed Tucker, Passan issued a warning to the remainder of the league, explaining why the reigning World Series champions can approach free agency in the manner which they do.
“They just don’t have to be proactive in markets they believe will come to them,” Passan wrote. “Would they like Tucker? Sure. Anyone would. Will they chase him? Nope. Not unless it’s on a shorter-term deal. Same with any free agent, really, because the Dodgers are now at the point where players believe their best chance at a World Series ring runs through Los Angeles, and the calendar is starting to force them to consider options they might not have otherwise.”
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The Dodgers have made just one high-profile move, bringing in All-Star closer Edwin Diaz on a three-year deal, addressing one of the few weaknesses in their stacked roster. Diaz was the top relief pitcher on the free agency market in the offseason, as he posted just a 1.63 ERA through 62 appearances last season.
The closer echoed a sentiment similar to Passan’s at his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium.
“I chose the Dodgers because they are a winning organization,” Diaz said. “I’m looking to win, and I think they have everything to win.”
The Dodgers took a similar approach with Tucker, as the front office hung around the backboard while other teams made their offers for the outfielder.
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The New York Mets reportedly offered the slugger $50 million per year on a short-term deal, but Tucker ultimately decided to sign with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers have avoided chasing free agents this offseason, and aren’t likely to according to Passan’s claims. Even when one of the game’s premier hitters was on the board, LA maintained its patient approach and waited for the best players to make their way to Southern California.
And Tucker did just that.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
3 Responses
D’s overpaid, period.
We won’t know that until after the 2026 season. If they win another WS then it was worth it. If there is not lockout in 2027 and they win it again and he leaves, it was still worth it and they only paid $120 million instead of the ridiculous $400 million that he was looking for. The Dodgers don’t need to overpay, thanks to Shohei Ohtani’s gift to the team to compete by deferring all but 20 million of his 700 million salary. Ohtani-like players only come along once in a while, As the Mets found out when they paid 300 million more than Juan Soto is actually worth, That’s why the Dodgers are such a good team… they only pay what they have to, not what everyone else pays…
I’m Completely Disgusted By Carlos Beltran Being Elected To The Hall Of Fame. Anyone Who Would Be Completely Involved In Cheating In The World Series Has No Place In The Hall Of Fame. The Baseball Writers Should Be Ashamed For Voting For A Player Who Was Found To Be A Key Person In Working Out The Mechanics To Cheat The Dodgers Out Of The 2017 Championship.