The Los Angeles Dodgers have been no stranger to bidding wars this offseason. However, while Los Angeles has been reportedly pursued multiple free agents, the front office has ultimately reached a threshold they did not feel comfortable passing.
For Zack Greinke, that meant a six-year, $206.5 million contract that was presented to the right-hander in stunning fashion by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Greinke later said he was “minutes away” from signing with a club — believed to be either the Dodgers or San Francisco Giants.
The Dodgers then backed away from Jeff Samardzjia, who signed a five-year, $90 million contract with the Giants.
San Francisco agreed to terms with Samardzjia one day after Greinke left them and the Dodgers in the dust to make a new home in the desert.
From there the Dodgers reportedly shifted their attention to Johnny Cueto. The 29 year old previously turned down a six-year, $126 million offer from the Diamondbacks, and remained as arguably the top starting pitcher still on the market.
Just as they were for Greinke, the Dodgers and Giants were the two teams mentioned most often as being in pursuit of Cueto. Los Angeles again came away short, with the right-hander agreeing to a six-year, $130 million contract with their storied rival.
Prior to Cueto and San Francisco striking a deal, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported the Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals had some hesitation in what kind of contract offer they’d make Cueto:
#Dodgers and #STLCards, both of whom dabbled in Cueto market, seemed hesitant to go near #Dbacks 6 yr, $120-126 offer.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 14, 2015
The Dodgers reportedly had similar reservations with Greinke, as the club is believed to not have included a sixth year in any of their offers.
Cueto’s contract includes an opt-out clause after two years. Spending time with the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals last season, Cueto finished 11-13 with a 3.44 ERA, 3.53 FIP and 1.13 WHIP in 212 innings pitched.
