Since taking over as Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations six years ago, Andrew Friedman has established himself as one of the more aggressive executives in the league.
He completed trades for the likes of Yu Darvish and Manny Machado in recent seasons, but made his biggest move this past February, acquiring Mookie Betts and David Price from the Boston Red Sox for a package of young players that included former top prospect Alex Verdugo.
The blockbuster was made with an eye on helping the Dodgers end the franchise’s World Series drought. Fans had been clamoring for a trade of this nature, citing the team’s window to win now and recent postseason heartbreak.
During an appearance on AM 570 L.A. Sports, Friedman explained he is grateful for how passionate Dodgers fans are and changed his perspective to better relate to them:
“They are really passionate, which I would much rather have a bunch of really opinionated and passionate people than people who don’t care. It took me a while perspective-wise to kind of flip it that way, but I think it’s a much more helpful way to look at it and process it. What’s challenging is in some ways we’re also fans. In the game, in the moment when something happens, we have emotional reactions just like a fan does. Mine may be a little bit less mature than some of our fans. We all have those reactions. Then it’s about trying to tune out the noise and sift through what you are convicted in and what helps you in the short term and long term.”
Though he isn’t one to give up prospects so liberally, Friedman will occasionally make a big splash if he feels it is in the best interest of the team. That was evident when Betts became available, who is widely considered one of the top five players in the league.
Not only did Friedman complete a trade for Betts, but he also signed him to a historic 12-year contract extension on the eve of Opening Day.
As for what Friedman may have in store this offseason, he has prioritized bolstering the bullpen and adding a right-handed hitting position player.
Dodgers acquire Corey Knebel from Brewers
The offseason is still in its early stages, but Friedman has already made his first notable move in acquiring former All-Star closer Corey Knebel from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Knebel appeared in 15 games this past season and generally struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery and pitched to a 6.08 ERA and 1.73 WHIP.
However, the 29-year-old was much improved upon returning from the injured list in September, allowing just two runs and holding opponents to a .167/.286/.250 batting line over 6.2 innings pitched across six appearances.
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