Dodgers Rumors: Free Agent Justin Verlander Further Linked to LA

When Tyler Anderson signed with the Angels on Tuesday, it opened up a spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation that they’ll need to fill. While they have multiple options available, either through free agency, the trade market, or internally, one name might have gotten a little more likely with Anderson’s departure.

Justin Verlander to the #Dodgers became more realistic based on today's events.

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Specifically, Tyler Anderson rejected the Dodgers' QO; and signing Verlander would not involve the loss of a pick, whereas Jacob deGrom would.

Credit to @Ken_Rosenthal for linking JV and LAD.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 15, 2022

Los Angeles will get a bonus pick in next year’s draft after the fourth round because Anderson rejected their qualifying offer. If they were to sign a different player who had rejected a QO from another team, they’d lose not only that bonus pick but also their second-round pick and $1 million from their international bonus pool. Those penalties aren’t prohibitive for the right player, but a guy like Verlander, who doesn’t have the QO attached, has added appeal due to the lack of penalty.

In reality, it’s two separate issues. Los Angeles signing a big-name free agent pitcher became more realistic because a spot opened up when Anderson left; the presence or absence of a QO is one of many factors L.A. will consider when looking at him, Jacob deGrom, Carlos Rodon, and other free agents.

Right now, it’s Julio Urias, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and a handful of internal options. There’s no telling what the rotation will look like when the 2023 season rolls around, but it’s not crazy to picture Verlander in Dodger blue.

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