The Los Angeles Dodgers’ initial group of free agents included Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney, all of whom were important contributors in the starting rotation during the 2022 season.
After opting not to extend the qualifying offer to Kershaw, the Dodgers quickly reached an agreement with the left-hander on a one-year contract worth an estimated $20 million.
While the team was able to retain their longtime ace, they could not do the same for Anderson, who signed a three-year, $39 million contract the Los Angeles Angels after he declined the qualifying offer.
As for Heaney, he remains a free agent but is said to be drawing widespread interest from teams due to not having the qualifying offer attached to him, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Lesser starters who did not receive qualifying offers (Andrew Heaney, José Quintana, etc.) also are drawing considerable interest.
Despite missing some time because of shoulder trouble, Heaney enjoyed a bounce-back campaign with the Dodgers that saw him go 4-4 with a 3.10 ERA, 3.75 FIP, and 1.09 WHIP over 16 games (14 starts).
The left-hander was in the Dodgers starting rotation until making two relief appearances at the end of the year to begin preparing for the postseason. He allowed one run over three innings in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
To this point, the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays have been the only teams publicly connected to Heaney.
However, with Anderson now heading to the Angels, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Dodgers make a stronger effort to re-sign the 31-year-old to replenish their rotation depth.
Justin Verlander reportedly sees Dodgers as potential fit
As the Dodgers look for starting pitching, another potential option could be Houston Astros free agent and 2022 American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander.
The right-hander reportedly sees the Dodgers as a possible fit after another excellent season with the Astros that culminated with a World Series championship.
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