Dodgers Rumors: Dan Haren Likely To Exercise 2015 Option
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the 2014 MLB season will come to an end after Game 7 of the World Series is played Wednesday. With the conclusion of the season forthcoming, it should open the door for off-season transactions to begin unfolding.
The Los Angeles Dodgers already made changes in their front office by hiring Andrew Friedman as president of baseball operations, but questions remain regarding the roster. Josh Beckett announced his plans to retire after the Dodgers were eliminated in the NLDS and it was reported Brian Wilson opted in for the final year of his contract.
According to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation, Dan Haren will likely exercise his $10 million option for 2015:
Hearing Dan Haren very likely to exercise his player option with #Dodgers.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) October 29, 2014
Haren earned the right to decide his fate for next season once he reached 180 innings, which he surpassed in a strong start against the San Francisco Giants on Sept. 22. The veteran right-hander held a 4-0 record in his inaugural season with the Dodgers before suffering a loss.
As the calendar turned to July, Haren lost five consecutive starts and saw his ERA balloon to 4.76 — the highest it was for the entire season. Despite his struggles, manager Don Mattingly stuck with Haren, who eventually turned his season around by closing the year out with a 4-0 record and 2.09 ERA in his final seven starts.
Haren’s final stat line read 13-11 with a 4.02 ERA as he was one of four Dodgers starting pitchers to reach double-digit wins. He made the Dodgers’ NLDS roster, but was skipped over when Mattingly opted to go with Clayton Kershaw on short rest in Game 3.
The Dodgers announced Haren underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder last week and he is expected to make a full recovery in time for Spring Training.