After shining during the World Series, Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg became the crown jewels of this winter’s free agency class. In Strasburg’s case, it required him to opt out of the remaining four years and $100 million that were on his contract.
Most anticipate the World Series MVP re-signing with the Washington Nationals. However, what the future holds for Cole or Rendon isn’t quite as clear. None of the three players have a shortage of suitors, and in some cases a team is involved with each of the free agents.
That appears to apply to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have reportedly met with Cole and Rendon ahead of the annual Winter Meetings beginning next week.
While reports haven’t been quite as clear on the Dodgers and Strasburg, the team remains in pursuit of all three marquee free agents, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
The Dodgers have been courting all 3 mega star free agents — Cole, Strasburg and Rendon — tho Rendon remains a bit of a curious fit since they already have a star at 3B (Turner) and good answers at 2B (Lux) and 1B (Muncy), too, adding to the intrigue.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 4, 2019
With Rich Hill and Hyun-Jin Ryu potentially departing via free agency, the Dodgers have an apparent need in their starting rotation. That presumably is a factor in their reported interest in not only Cole and Strasburg, but Kevin Gausman as well.
There is also believed to be mutual interest between the Dodgers and Ryu. The Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays also have the southpaw on their radar.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ reported interest in Rendon dates back multiple months. He went on to finish third in National League MVP voting and put together an impressive performance throughout the postseason.
While Rendon figures to land a lucrative contract, it may not be the long-term deal most stars have sought. That aligns well with the vision of Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.
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