Similar to what held true last year, many are expecting the Los Angeles Dodgers to make a splash in free agency. However, unlike in 2014, the Dodgers at this point do not have a manager in place.
A mutual parting with Don Mattingly was announced on Oct. 22 and as other clubs have made their respective managerial hirings, Los Angeles represents the team club without a skipper.
As for free agency, the only bit of action thus far is Brett Anderson accepting the Dodgers’ qualifying offer.
In doing so Anderson said he rejected multiyear deals so that he could return with the Dodgers for at least one more season, with the hope of putting together another successful and healthy year.
Anderson added he didn’t have any reservations committing to the Dodgers despite the managerial vacancy, according to Jon Weisman of Dodger Insider:
“No, we have some obviously smart people at the top,” Anderson said, “and I feel like they’re going to make the right decision, so that wasn’t a factor in it. I liked the coaching staff last year, but like I said, I trust them to make a positive decision going forward.”
Mattingly’s replacement will face the challenge of building on three consecutive National League West division titles — a first in franchise history — and three straight seasons of at least 90 wins — a first since 1976-78.
Overall, Mattingly was 446-363 in five seasons as manager of the Dodgers, and only 8-11 in postseason play. He earned one third-place vote for National League Manager of the Year, which went to Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs.
The Dodgers’ eventual manager currently stands to inherit a 2016 starting rotation composed of Anderson, Clayton Kershaw, Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Alex Wood. However, McCarthy and Ryu are both coming off respective season-ending surgeries.
Ryu is progressing in his recovery and is expected to be ready by Spring Training and Opening Day. McCarthy likely won’t return until the All-Star break.
Last season was Anderson’s first remaining healthy since his rookie year in 2009 with the Oakland Athletics. He went 10-9 over 31 starts with a 3.69 ERA, 3.94 FIP, 3.51 xFIP, 1.33 WHIP and an MLB-best 66.3 ground ball percentage.
He set new career highs with 31 starts and 180.1 innings pitched. Should he re-sign with the Dodgers on the qualifying offer and not a multiyear deal, Anderson will earn $15.8 million next season.
