The Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to sign Brett Anderson to a one-year, $10 million contract in December of last year was met with little fanfare. Many expected the deep-pocketed Dodgers to land Jon Lester, Max Scherzer or James Shields.
Instead, the Dodgers filled out the rotation with Anderson and Brandon McCarthy. While McCarthy was lost for the season to Tommy John surgery, the left-handed Anderson has been invaluable, particularly when considering Hyun-Jin Ryu was also lost to season-ending shoulder.
On the verge of making his final regular-season start for the Dodgers in 2015, Anderson said he is open to re-signing with Los Angeles in part due to his comfort level with the club, via ESPN’s Mark Saxon:
He said he would welcome the opportunity to return in 2016. “It’s been a good fit,” Anderson said a few days ago. “It fits my personality here. With [Clayton] Kershaw the top guy, I can just go about my business and kind of pitch in the shadows. It’s been gratifying to stay healthy and help win with these guys.”
Already having thrown 172.2 innings over 30 starts, Anderson has triggered multiple bonuses in his contract. He’s earned $1.65 million in incentives, and will make an additional $375,000 should he reach 175 innings this season.
Moreover, Anderson will earn $400,000 if he reaches 180 innings, and that amount for every five innings beyond 180. For as much as Anderson has proven durable and valuable this season, the Dodgers’ initial focus will presumably be on Zack Greinke should he opt out of his contract, as is expected.
The 27-year-old Anderson is also hitting a free agent market that will be littered with a bevy of pitchers including, Johnny Cueto, David Price and Jordan Zimmermann, among others.
