Dodgers Rumors: Dodgers, Dan Haren Have Mutual Interest

With the Japanese posting system in limbo, Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti is starting to show interest in pitchers on the free agent market.

First, it’s their rumored interest in bringing Ricky Nolasco back, but at his asking price, a reunion seems highly doubtful. Then it was Bronson Arroyo saying the Dodgers have reached out to his agent about their possible interest in signing him. However, according to Mark Saxson of ESPNLA.com, the Dodgers are keeping tabs on another starting pitcher:

@dodgers have been in contact with Dan Haren’s agent. Hard to tell if the fit is right but there’s some interest on both sides

— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) November 20, 2013

Haren is from the west coast and there were rumors he was hoping to latch on with the Padres, Giants or even the Dodgers. Pitching last season with the Washington Nationals, Haren went 10-14 with a 4.67 ERA and spent some time on the DL with shoulder problems.

While the record isn’t impressive, the 33-year-old went 6-4 with a 3.52 ERA after the All-Star break and would fit the bill of what the Dodgers want in signing a starting pitcher. Haren didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Nationals and would be a one or two year filler at the back end of the rotation.

With Josh Beckett expected back when Spring Training opens and Chad Billingsley targeting late May and early June for his return, if signed, Haren would be the Dodgers number four starter right now. He has familiarity with the NL West after pitching three years with the Arizona Diamondbacks and has a career 3.49 ERA at Dodger Stadium.

The pitching market is in high demand and with pitchers like Nolasco asking for four years and $60 million plus, signing Haren to a low-term deal could be a solid move for the Dodgers.

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ICYMI: The Texas Rangers talked trade with the Dodgers at the GM Meetings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzgCWDxYfvc