The Los Angeles Dodgers carried out a historic offseason in spending, while undergoing a change in their top prospect rankings from previous seasons.
The trade of Michael Busch to the Chicago Cubs allowed for catcher Dalton Rushing to rise into a prominent role in their farm system, with outfielder Josue De Paula making several top prospect rankings.
De Paula was part of the Dodgers’ 2022 international class, following a strong line of player development within the organization. Looking at what they’ve done in their most recent signing period, they’re among teams with the most remaining funds in 2024, according to Francys Romero of MLB.com:
Budget left to each MLB team (international signing period 2023).
*No verbal agreements are included. Only officially signed on the table until January 24.
Dbacks $807,300
Braves $185,000
Orioles $1,917,300
Red Sox $975,000
Cubs $292,000
Reds $250,000
Cleveland $697,800… pic.twitter.com/C1gjbd5PYj— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) February 6, 2024
The Dodgers devoted a large portion of their original funds to shortstop Emil Morales, who headlines the group. It’s their third consecutive season in which their top signee is from the Dominican Republic.
Overall, the Dodgers agreed to terms with 19 international amateur free agents, with Morales being the No. 14 prospect in the 2024 class.
Usually active in the international signing period, the Dodgers had a fair amount of restraint, which signals their intent to make a possible larger move later this year.
Dodgers bonus pool money for Roki Sasaki?
With a fairly top-heavy international class, the Dodgers have set themselves up to be heavy players for Roki Sasaki. The young right-hander recently agreed to a one-year deal with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), but he’s expected to explore the possibility to making the jump to Major League Baseball at the end of the season.
The Dodgers have been rumored as being interested in the 22-year-old, who has the potential to be an MLB ace.
Although not confirmed, there may be a clause in Sasaki’s current contract that would allow for him to leave NPB earlier than the league’s typical service time rules. If posted later this year, Sasaki’s immediate earning potential would be capped, similar to that of Shohei Ohtani when he join MLB prior to the 2018 season.
Ohtani signed for just a $2.3 million signing bonus with the Los Angeles Angels.
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