Dodgers May Be Trying To Avoid Long-Term Free Agent Commitment, Says Keith Law

Obviously, the Dodgers are in position to make a splash this winter if they want to. For instance, ownership won’t impose the stipulation that president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stay under the luxury tax.

Thus far, the Dodgers have been linked to Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon, Francisco Lindor, Josh Donaldson, and virtually every big name on the market since their season ended. Indeed, there is reason to get excited.

Now, Jeff Passan and Keith Law examine how serious the Dodgers really are about getting out the wallet this off-season. Furthermore, Law’s answer might surprise you a little bit.

The Dodgers are still being linked to Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts.https://t.co/zxBWApeTK9

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) November 14, 2019

First, Passan asks Law the a key question. He wonders are the Dodgers actually going to go out and spend the money this time. Law responds that the Dodgers under Friedman show the trait of being afraid of a long-term commitment. Remember, they wanted Bryce Harper; but they wanted him for a shorter amount of years than everyone else.

“It seems to me more likely just given the recent history under Andrew Friedman they would be more inclined to try to trade out of that very productive, strong farm system to go acquire a player who won’t cost as much or require that long-term commitment. I think their trepidation is less about dollars, and more about trying to avoid a long-term commitment that towards the back half of the deal; starts to become an albatross on the payroll.”

Therefore, who does Law hear or see the Dodgers being in the market for? Indeed, where there is smoke there is usually fire. Law says that there has been some Lindor chatter.

“The name I have heard a little bit so far is Francisco Lindor. Of course, he’s a fit for every team. The thing that is interesting here is the Dodgers absolutely have the prospects to put together a package to make Cleveland part with their star shortstop.”

Soon, the Dodgers will need to put their flag in the sand in regards to the target they really want to land this off-season. Hopefully, they not only choose the right big name or two; but soften on their stance about committing to a player long-term. After all, this comes with the territory of landing most marquee players on the open market.