Andrew Friedman: Assume Dodgers Are In On ‘Really Good Players’

If Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman had grown tired of trade rumors prior to the start of Winter Meetings, Monday didn’t offer any breaks.

Marquee free agent Jon Lester is believed to be nearing a decision and while the Dodgers were one of four teams in the running for the left-hander, it was reported he’s down to choosing between the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants.

The Dodgers’ interest in Lester has come from unconfirmed reports and while addressing the media on Monday in San Diego, Friedman passed on the opportunity to confirm they were pursuing the left-hander and instead suggested that it be assumed the Dodgers are involved with big-name free agents, according to Eric Stephen of True Blue LA:

Andrew Friedman wouldn't confirm Dodgers' interest in Jon Lester, but said "safe to assume on really good players, we're going to be in on."

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) December 9, 2014

Friedman did acknowledge among the Dodgers’ needs is adding a pitcher:

Andrew Friedman on pitching: "We need to figure out how to add at least one more arm from the outside."

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) December 9, 2014

Along with Lester, the Dodgers have been linked to Cole Hamles, whom they’d have to acquire via trade as opposed to being able to sign outright as is the case with Lester. Furthermore, if the Dodgers are to turn their attention to Max Scherzer or James Shields, signing either would result in them losing their first-round pick in the 2015 draft.

Friedman’s comments suggest the Dodgers don’t necessarily view recently acquired Mike Bolsinger and Juan Nicasio as viable options to be placed in the rotation.

Adding more emphasis on the Dodgers’ need to bolster the pitching staff is the possibility of Zack Greinke opting out after the 2015 season and Hyun-Jin Ryu potentially falling victim to more shoulder trouble.