The past two times the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a bit of a crossroads in free agency with respect to the core of their roster, they moved to keep the group intact.
After the 2016 season, the Dodgers re-signed Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner to respective five- and four-year contracts. Then in November 2018, Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers agreed to a three-year, $93 million contract extension.
The deal replaced two years and $65 million remaining on the seven-year, $215 million extension Kershaw signed in January 2014.
As the Dodgers are less than a week from beginning what they hope is a World Series season, the prospect of signifiant free agency decision looms at the end of a 60-game schedule and potential playoffs.
“I’m not going to lie, there’s been a comment here and there,” Kiké Hernandez said of players discussing the 2020 season as potentially being the last run for the core roster group.
Hernandez is in the final year of salary arbitration, and so too are Pedro Baez and Joc Pederson. Meanwhile, Jansen can opt out of his deal — though considered unlikely — and Turner is due to become a free agent this winter. So too are Mookie Betts and Alex Wood.
“Nothing in this life is guaranteed and right now the only thing we have guaranteed right now is this season that’s ahead of us,” Hernandez added. “I think all of us feel though free agency can be at the back of our minds or whatever, it can creep into your thoughts here and there.
“But I think we’re all very focused in what we want to accomplish this year and what the goal for us as a unit is. I think we’re all looking forward to this year and not thinking really about next year because it’s going to be a short season, it’s going be a very different season.
“So we just want to make the best of it and find a way to make this season seem as normal as possible.”
Turner previously dismissed free agency thoughts
Back when the Dodgers were progressing through a normal Spring Training, the topic of free agency and the 2020 season potentially being his last with L.A. was broached with Turner. Specifically, he was asked if reaching the open market was on his mind.
“Is this my last year? That’s my answer. None,” Turner responded. “I’m not worried about that. I’m here to win a championship and whatever happens after that, we’ll see. I mean, obviously it’s reality, it’s a possibility. But it’s something that I try not to focus on or think about.
“I have to worry about what’s in front of me today and we’ll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.”
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