After a heartbreaking loss in the National League Division Series despite winning a franchise-record 106 games, it is clear the Los Angeles Dodgers need to make some roster changes this offseason if they want to return to and win the World Series.
The Dodgers have already been linked to a number of marquee players on the free-agent and trade markets, including Anthony Rendon, Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, Josh Donaldson and Francisco Lindor.
That is normally the case every offseason considering Los Angeles is one of the biggest markets and they have yet to win a World Series since 1988, but since Andrew Friedman took over as president of baseball operations, they have avoided handing out long-term contracts.
If that were to change any offseason then it would likely be this one, and Friedman addressed the possibility in an interview on MLB Network Radio:
“I think it’s always safe to assume if there is a star-type, top-of-the-roster type player available, we’re going to pursue it. It doesn’t always work for us within whatever constraints we have or timing of where our roster is, etc. But we’re always gonna run out the play and our mindset is to continue to do that. I feel like having those things in place with the roster we have, the prospect depth that we have and also some financial flexibility, I think that combination just puts us in a good position to hopefully capitalize on something meaningful.”
Friedman makes similar comments annually, including at this year’s trade deadline when the Dodgers failed to move forward with an impact move.
The Dodgers have stayed under the luxury tax each of the last two seasons, although surpassing the threshold is not something they deliberately avoid, according to Friedman.
Even if they remain below the luxury tax for a third straight season, the Dodgers still have around $40 million to spend this winter in addition to one of the best farm systems in baseball that can be used as trade capital.
There are plenty of solid options available, so now the onus is on Friedman to make the big moves to put Los Angeles over the top in 2020 and beyond.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
