Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Talks Stephen Strasburg Mega-Deal
Obviously in following the wild MLB news cycle as you do this time of year, you heard about Stephen Strasburg’s mega 7-year, $245 million dollar contract signed with the Washington Nationals on Monday.
Later on, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman held court with the media. While he spoke about the closer’s role and pressing needs this offseason, he also shared thoughts on the Strasburg deal in itself.
Therefore, Bill Plunkett of the OC Register has the skinny on it for all of us.
#Dodgers Andrew Friedman liked the Stephen Strasburg contract news for at least one reason: "I always think it's great when there's a homegrown player that's potentially signed up to finish his career in the same place. There's something nostalgic about that for me."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 10, 2019
In short, Friedman gets nostalgic when he sees a homegrown player potentially sign a deal that puts him in one place his entire career. Here is what he said about Strasburg’s contract.
“I always think it’s great when a homegrown player that has potentially signed up to finish his career in the same place. There is something nostalgic about that for me.”
Honestly, I agree whole-heartedly with Friedman here. There is a part of me that is happy to see Strasburg stay with the organization that took him first-overall in the MLB draft – and assumably he will finish his career where it started. Moreover, it seems good for the sport.
In addition, what does this mean for the current Dodgers?
By comparison, it’s fair to ask in the near-term how close Walker Buehler could be to a very similar deal. Furthermore, ESPN recently had Cody Bellinger as the next most likely player that will deserve a $400 million dollar contract that approaches Mike Trout territory.
With that being said, do you think Friedman’s comments on the Strasburg deal are indicative of his willingness to do a similar long-term contract with a deserving current Dodger?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments, including who that player will be. And when does it make sense to offer said deal.
It is reminiscent of the pre-season free agent days. Obviously a team would have a hard time resigning all their players, and if they did it would block their talent in the farm system. A player who is consistent, good character and not prone to injuries is the type of player you want to keep.
We fans must be prepared though for some of our favorite players to be moved at some point otherwise look at the results in @ 3-4 yrs ;
Seager @ 20 mill
Belli @ 30 mill
Buehler @ 30 mill
Muncy @ 25 mill
That’s over 100 mill for just 4 players! Add a long term contract for someone like Cole and you can see why Friedman is smart to not do that! I’d be looking to extend Bellinger and Buehler and keep replacing the others with future stars from the farm.
Sometimes you gotta forget the cost and just go all in a franchise player and pay the man.
Friedman is loving it because he knows a team just signed a player where they’ll be paying him $35 mil a year until he’s 38.
They did that with Kershaw and now most.everyone is saying what a dumb move that was.
Well at least as of now CK has only 2 years left so WSS. But let’s see Dodgers take care of needs this off season first, especially after that 1st round playoff exit, and then later on concern should go to keep said franchise player in house.
Kershaw will be making $31 mil for the next 2 seasons. He will be 33 his last year. Add 5 years plus $4 more million a year. Big difference. I didn’t agree with the Kershaw signing. Paying $31 mil a season for a #3 starter is crazy, but they had to do it.
But the good thing is, when Strasburg is 39, Friedman will be ready to sign him up.