The 2023-24 MLB free-agent class could be one of the most memorable in recent winters, thanks primarily to a pair of Japanese superstars in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Ohtani is on top of almost every headline in the baseball blogosphere right now and already has a prolific career as a 29-year-old two-way player. Despite having his 2023 season cut short by an oblique injury and impending elbow surgery, the 2023 American League MVP put up career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging and OPS.
Yamamoto is the lesser-known name, but he’ll probably garner one of the highest-ever salaries for a player posted from a Japanese league. Last year, the 25-year-old righty tallied a 17-6 record with a ridiculous 1.16 ERA and a 0.884 WHIP over 24 appearances and 171 innings of work.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are certainly on the high road for both players. Still, front-office boss Andrew Friedman is notorious for not spending top dollar for talent, instead taking more creative approaches that helped him snag franchise players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman to long-term deals.
What Spots Do the Dodgers Need to Fill?
In theory, Los Angeles needs help in almost every area to at least make a deep run into the 2024 playoffs. No question, injuries have hammered the club in recent years — not just everyday nagging injuries, but instances that have required surgery and kept several big names out for many months. Some of these injuries included players like Gavin Lux, Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, to name a few.
Also gone are a slew of low-profile players that helped the team in some shape or form last season, including Jason Heyward, David Peralta, Ryan Brasier, Lance Lynn, Shelby Miller, J.D. Martinez and more. While starting pitching might seem to be the priority, there will likely be signings to fill spots all over the diamond.
Players like Miguel Vargas, Michael Busch, Emmet Sheehan and Ryan Pepiot will have their chances at regular spots, and the club will possibly make strong runs at a few of the lost free agents, including Martinez and Brasier. However, the Dodgers will be among the busiest clubs this winter trying to fill their many roster holes.
How Does Ohtani Fit?
The thing that comes to mind initially is the Dodgers don’t have a legitimate two or three-hole threat in the batting order aside from Betts and Freeman. Will Smith is undoubtedly one of the MLB’s better hitting catchers, but he probably profiles better as a five or six-hole hitter. Max Muncy is also a frequent flyer in the middle of the lineup, but he only hit a meager .212 last year after a paltry .196 in 2022.
Of course, OPS is the name of the game in the majors, and Muncy’s is better than most. But an average around the Medoza line just isn’t productive enough for an effective three or four-hole hitter.
Having a healthy Ohtani in the two or three slot instantly makes the Dodgers one of the top offensive threats in the bigs. Ohtani won’t be pitching until 2025, but if he recovers from his most recent surgery without any hitches and is able to DH regularly next year, his value is almost limitless. If Ohtani ends up calling Los Angeles home, the team will definitely have a solid offensive foundation to build the active roster around.
Additionally, the Dodgers’ run on Ohtani could impact how and when the club pursues a potential return contract for Martinez.
How Much Are the Dodgers Willing to Spend for Ohtani?
It’s tough to throw out a best-case-scenario contract offering because the Dodgers seemingly change their payroll budget philosophy with each passing season. Plus, Freidman rarely wins straight-up bidding wars. For the Dodgers to land Ohtani, the brass will need to get a bit creative with their offer, beginning with selling the idea that the club is a perennial playoff contender, something that seems to be a perquisite for the slugger.
There have been some whispers that Ohtani could sign a short-term deal for two or three years, enabling him to enter the market as a legit two-way player once he’s cleared to pitch. That type of flexibility might be right up Friedman’s alley.
In the meantime, there’s no right or wrong answer for whether Ohtani could be a good fit in Los Angeles, as even the industry’s best sportswriters could make a solid argument either way.
However, landing the righty Yamamoto could be the safest bet in rebuilding the club into another top contender in 2024.
Think Blue Planning Committee 
Hoping they land Yamamoto and maybe a reclamation like Giolito. Let the kids fight for the other rotation slots. I would rather they put Muncy at DH as a poor defender at the “Hot Corner” is not optimal. Every team can use Ohtani I am hoping he signs quickly. So other decisions can be made.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m on board with this. Yamamoto would give immediate help to the rotation. I’ve always wanted the Dodgers to use their MiL system to build their pitching staff. Then, if necessary, fill in position players by trades and FA. Expect one or more of the MiL pitchers to break out during the spring. Keep ammunition dry to get another arm at the trade deadline if needed. If you are going to trade young players, you can get more for them at the trade deadline. Also at the trade deadline you can better assess the health of the player you’re getting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m surprised not to hear Jonny DeLuca’s name mentioned as a possible starter in LF. Instead we hear about acquiring an IF and Vargas and Busch possibly playing some LF.
I’m all for Ohtani but let’s also play the young guys. I think Lux was about to break out so hopefully he will pick up where he was in 2022.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree DeLuca played well and is cost controlled. Using him and as many of the young pitchers as possible frees up a lot of money for Yamamoto and/or Ohtani.
LikeLike
We’re seeing rumors about AF being in on trades for Cease, Burnes or Glasnow. If he makes one of those trades, I’d be shocked if Vargas or Busch weren’t part of the package going back.
I don’t see Ohtani signing a short term deal. I don’t think he’ll take the gamble that he’ll come back to the pitcher he was after the surgery. Odds are in his favor but I don’t see him as a gamblin’ man and if he has any doubts at all, he’s better taking the long term deal now.
Even with Seattle supposedly out of the Ohtani Sweepstakes, that still leaves LA, SF, Cubs, Rangers, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Braves, Phillies, Mets, Yankees and SD (although they’d probably have to trade both Soto and Bogaerts to do it) as possibilities. At least one of those teams, even knowing he can’t pitch next year and the slight uncertainty after that will give Ohtani that 500-600 mil contract and take their chances.
Just my opinion, although I do have a meeting with Shohei tomorrow to discuss strategy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m meeting with JP Howell Tuesday and Josh Ravin on Friday to discuss possible comeback strategies.
LikeLike
Josh Ravin! Well done Dennis.
LikeLike
I’m gonna start a campaign to bring back Dennis Santana and Brock Stewart. That will give them more money to boost the offense. 😀
LikeLike
Brock has really revitalized his career as a reliever for the Twins. He had a pretty spectacular 2023.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stewabr01.shtml
LikeLike
I think Andrew will get two pitchers this spring. One upper end, and one upper middle, through a trade, and a free agent signing. I haven’t got a clue who he’ll sign, or trade for, I’d love to predict who it will be, like I really know something, but I’m usually wrong.
Buehler, and Miller are the only guys on the staff we can questionably count on, and Buehler has to have a big fat question mark behind his name, because we really don’t know how much to expect of him. As far as the rest of those guys Dennis mentioned I see them as depth, or bull pen pieces, Pepiot had his moments, but all of them had shots last year, yet none of them actually kicked the door in, and grabbed a starting spot, other than Miller. So to count on Pepiot, Stone, Sheehan, or Grove to fill the staff is scary. One of them, sure for that fifth spot, but that’s as far as I’m hoping it goes.
As far as Ohtani goes, sign him, give him whatever will make him happy, I’ve always said these teams are all making a lot more money than they want us to think, so spend some of it. His signing should have nothing to do with the Dodgers obtaining two other starting pitchers for this season.
I will say I’m impressed with the fact that there are zero Ohtani rumors going on right now, regarding his FA negotiations. I didn’t think all of those front office guys could keep from gossiping with the writers for this long.
LikeLike
Pepiot was on injured list most of the season. Once he was activated he was very good. Miles better than in 2022. 2.14 ERA in 42 innings 38 to 7 K to walk ratio and 0.76 WHIP! He’s ready for the rotation if he can repeat that.
LikeLike
I agree Gary. Pepiot was excellent last year once he finally got over that oblique injury. I’d like to see what he could do over a full season.
LikeLike
And Sheehan had some great moments. You may not realize his WHIP of 1.19 was the same as Blake Snell’s and he won the Cy Young. The potential is there. He just needs to cut back with a few less walks and long balls. I think it would be a big mistake to trade either of Pepiot or Sheehan.
LikeLike
Jeff, I think you have way too many teams on your Ohtani list. He wants to win, so take the Cubs, Giants, and Bosox off the list, none of those three teams look like they are close to being a consistently winning team, yeah I know the Cubs and Giants were there until the last couple of weeks, but they still missed the playoffs.
As far as the NY teams go, after what Stanton’s agent said last week, and how the Mets signed, then three months later, traded Verlander and Scherzer, Why would a player of Ohtani’s stature want anything to do with those two dysfunctional franchises.
With Siedler’s passing I don’t see the Pads being as aggressive as they have been, so I’m counting them out. When it comes to spending money the Braves have never seemed to want to be one of those top few teams in payroll so I’m taking them off of your list too.
The Blue Jays just dont feel right. Toronto is in a tough division with the Orioles on the rise, the Rays seemed to always be competitive with a crappy looking team. Add the Yanks and Bosox, and like I said tough division. I just can’t see the Jays having a consistent chance at the playoffs every year, so they’re gone too.
Soooo, that leaves the Dodgers, Rangers and the Phillies, I would put the Phillies as the dark horse, because I just can’t find a reason to leave them out. Both the Dodgers and the Rangers fill out all of the parameters better than the rest of the teams. Winners/ playoff chances, check. Willing to spend money, no problem. Living, both are great places. LA has a lot to offer, and lots of people are moving to Dallas, plus Kershaw lives in that area, what else could a guy ask for, BTW, Rangers are the reigning WS champs that’s got to count for something.
Let me know how smart or stupid you think I am Jeff.😀
LikeLike
I think you’re a very smart guy, Keith.
Now as far as your baseball takes?…………………………………………………just kidding. A lot of what you say about those teams makes complete sense, although as far as the Blue Jays are concerned, I don’t think being in a tough division will keep Ohtani from signing with a team. He just wants to know that the team he signs with will be very competitive every year. He’s not afraid of competition, as he showed in the WBC last year. I’ve never seen him so animated. As a matter of fact, the passion he showed in that tournament is what made me decide I really wanted us to sign him.
I still think all the teams I mentioned have a chance to sign him but I agree with you that probably L.A. and Texas would be the front runners.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll take that, but not to toot our own horns, the Dodgers look like they fit Ohtani the best, but that’s only repeating what everyone in baseball is saying right now. I don’t think I’ve read anyone predicting him sign anywhere besides the Dodgers.
Speaking of the Blue Jays, I saw a report that said they would look at offers on Manoah, I find that very interesting. I know he was really messed up last year, could be an injury he’s hiding, or just mechanics, but man was he a heck of a pitcher before last season, knowing how well our pitching department is at analyzing, and making adjustments to pitchers, I’m wondering if the Dodgers would be tempted to try to get him on the cheap.
LikeLike
I can’t think of any reason the dodgers would sign ohtani as exciting as it would be..they’ve never really pursued big name free agents. They are content to field a competitive team and there is no business upside to being successful in the post Season. The money it would cost to sign him, could be better utilized to acquire 3 pitchers, infielders and outfields. There are a lot of holes and it became obvious to me last year that there’s not much on the farm. They want to keep dominating the division. Nothing else much matters. If I’ve ever been wrong, I hope it’s about ohtani, but I don’t see how it would work.there are not enough empty seats at dodger stadium.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I share many of the same sentiments.
LikeLike
They pursued both Bryce Harper and Gerrit Cole, to name two big name free agents.
As far as the business upside to being successful in the post season, it builds your brand, helps you sell more merchandise, makes it easier to sign future free agents, keeps the fans happy, puts extra money in the pocket of every player on the roster (playoff shares) and lets the GM (or Pres of Baseball Ops) keep his job longer.
Another thing I don’t understand is all the folks (not necessarily you) who claim AF won’t spend big this year because that’s not how he does things. It isn’t how he does things……………….until he does things that way. This may be the year that Andrew and ownership decide they need to throw all their chips in.
It never rains in Southern California…………………..until it does.
What do you think of the possibility of signing Yamamoto, Gordon? He’s 25. How does that fit into your age spectrum?
LikeLike
Well pursuing big names and sighning them are 2 different things. Pursuing keeps the fan base excited. Signing them costs money. Selling a few extra shirts in a couple of extra play-off games won’t put much of a dent in ohtani 500 million contract.
I’m all in on Yamamoto. Japanese pitchers generally don’t have problems adapting to mlb, but he’ll be expensive as well. Dodger payroll is not excessive but there a lot of holes to fill and it doesn’t look like it will me $500 thousand prospects filling those holes unless you feel there are 2 or 3 infielders, couple outfielders and 3 or 4 pitchers on the farm. That train has left.
LikeLike
Give me Yamamoto and Jung Hoo Lee.
In case you aren’t familiar with him, he’s a Korean outfielder, great bat to ball skills and considered a good outfielder defensively.
Next year will be his age 25 season and MLBTR has him signing a 5 year/$50MM contract. At that price, I’d take the risk all day long. Actually I think he’ll get more than that, but I like the fact that he walks more often than he strikes out. We have enough power guys in the lineup. Not everyone has to be a home run hitter.
Here’s a link to his stats in Korea:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lee—009jun
LikeLike
Gordon, I could be wrong but I always felt, everything Andrew did last off season was pointing towards him wanting to sign Ohtani this off season. AF was very conservative last season, only one year contracts were given out last year. Only Freeman, and Mookie are on the books beyond 2025, if you ask me I believe Andrew has been plotting this out since he missed out on him the first time around. If not Ohtani, then why is there so much money available to spend.
LikeLike
I agree keith, but that was predicated in part on the fact they believed they had some position players on the farm and some up and coming pitchers. That didn’t work out so good and now they have all those injuries and even more question marks, and it won’t be cheap replacing a whole infield, couple outfielders and God only knows how many pitchers. Not sure Andrew will throw all his eggs in one basket. Couple of up and coming teams in the division. Post season disappoints are kind of accepted in la but I don’t think a regular season would be.
LikeLike
I think you are much too quick to discount the potential of Vargas, DeLuca and Busch. I especially think Vargas will be good.
I would also vote to give Barnes a coaching gig and promote Feduccia to the back up C position. He bats lefty and have read recently that is defensive skills are decent. Barnes doesn’t hit and rarely throws out a base runner.
LikeLike
I think there’s probably a good chance of Feduccia supplanting Barnesy by the end of next year.
LikeLike
If we manage to trade for Cease, there will certainly be one or two of our young pitchers going back in the deal. That would be the perfect time to send Barnes along to mentor them since he has certainly seen them in Spring Training for the past couple of years, if not actually caught them in games at the MLB level.
We’ve already sent Nastrini to the Sox in a deadline deal so Barnes would be a perfect fit for them, although we might have to contribute a little of his salary.
He’s too young to want to retire. I think he’d rather be shipped off to another team if it would let him continue to play for a few more years. And now that Kershaw isn’t around (or at least he won’t be for the first half of the season), it would be a little easier to wave good-bye to Austin.
LikeLike
And haven’t the Dodgers had the highest or near highest payroll for several years. I think they are willing to spend but not over pay.
LikeLike
I like the Cease deal he’s only making 5.7mil this season which will offset payroll to another high paid pitcher, plus he won’t be a free agent until 2026. This looks like an AF deal if I ever saw one.
LikeLike
Problem is, he’s probably bidding against 10 other teams, some of whom might be more ready to give up their prospects than Andrew is.
I think this is the year he’ll actually part with a few, though.
Of course, he could sign Ohtani, Yamamoto, Imanaga (a Japanese lefty starter), Lee (the Korean outfielder) and bring back Maeda and Ryu and not give up a single prospect.
LikeLike
You know I’d like to make some kind of a joke about that, but I’m sure I would screw it up😀
LikeLike
Happy thanksgiving TBPC family
LikeLike
Thank you Keith.
And yes, a very happy Thanksgiving to all who visit here.
May Santa give us an early Christmas present and bring us an Ohtani and/or a Yamamoto sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
And Happy Birthday wishes to Gavin Lux, Justin Turner and Ross Stripling.
LikeLike
I’m not totally surprised AF brought Heyward back, but I am surprised at the timing. I thought he would be a fall back option after the major players are gone, not the first player that Andrew signed.
LikeLike
I’m guessing they spoke briefly after the season and came to an understanding right then and there that he wanted to come back and AF wanted him back. Maybe they thought it would be a good idea to make it official now because other teams were contacting him.
Interestingly Andrew made a statement after the signing something to the effect that Jason Heyward would have an influence on the team long after his playing days here were over. It could have been very innocent, just indicating that he’s influencing players who will carry his wisdom on into their careers. Or maybe he’s already lined up Dave Roberts’ replacement. He’d probably also make a very good bench coach or roving instructor. At some point, I guess we’ll see what AF really meant.
Interesting quote from David Vassegh who does pre and post game radio shows for the team. He says that Yamamoto is a big time Dodger fan. Let’s see if that means anything over the next couple of weeks.
LikeLike
From my understanding, Heyward had a huge positive influence on Outman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marketing and offense will benefit from Ohtani becoming a Dodger.
LikeLike
But defense will not, since that will mean Max stays at third base instead of becoming the DH.
All things considered, probably a worthwhile trade off. If it happens.
LikeLike
Well, the meetings start tomorrow, anybody have any dodger predictions? I’m going along with all of the writers, and predict the boys in blue end up with Ohtani, by the time, the meetings end.
I hope they make some in roads on deals that will bring us two pitchers also.
LikeLike
Word is out that Ohtani and his agent are meeting with “a few” teams here in L.A. this weekend so we might have a conclusion to the Ohtani saga pretty soon.
I’m sure all 30 teams are hoping that decision is made in the next couple of days because a lot of teams are waiting on that in order to go forward with other plans.
LikeLike
Jon Heyman says the Dodgers and Joe Kelly are close to a one-year deal.
LikeLike
Well a week or so I had a whole bunch of reasons this would not happen, including, all the insiders said it would. Now despite them it may actually happen. Because they can I guess. Still don’t think so because it’s not Andrew’s inclination to overpay during a buying frenzy. Don’t remember being wrong before, but I sure hope I am this time. Oh wait. I have to ask Jeff.
LikeLike
Are you asking if you’ve been wrong before (yes you have) or if we’ll sign Ohtani (you need to ask Ohtani)?
Actually, I think we have our answer. As Dennis points out, we’re about to re-sign Kelly. He wears #17. So does Shohei. This means we aren’t signing Shohei. It also means we’re trading Vargas because he also wears #17. And we aren’t bringing back AJ Ellis, because………………..
LikeLike
I agree with you Gordon about Andrew not overpaying, but from what I’m reading, it sounds like Andrew wanted Ohtani real bad six years ago, so I don’t think he’s going to be denied this time around, so I’m thinking this is a unique situation, unless ownership tells him otherwise.
AF has always built a good bull pen, so if he thinks Kelly needs to be brought back, I’m all for it. didn’t see what his salary was going to be yet.
LikeLike
The probably won’t make anything official with Kelly for a few days. He still needs to pass a physical and the 40-man roster is full so there needs to be a DFA or trade to make room for him.
They didn’t exercise his option of $9MM for this year but paid him a $1MM buyout instead so that’s more or less like adding a mil to whatever they pay him this year. I’m guessing it will be in the 4 or 5 mil range plus maybe an option for 2025.
LikeLike
Kind of a lackluster winter meetings so far, tomorrow is the end, and not much has happened. The Ohtani, and Yamamoto deals, along with the possible Soto trade really put an anchor on things. With the gag order coming from the Ohtani group, there isn’t even any good rumors going around.
LikeLike
Well not exactly sad to see Soto leave the division, I was worried most of last season the Padres were going to figure it out then go on a tear. They definitely had way more talent than they played up to.
LikeLike
Maybe less will be more with the Pads. That group of players never did mesh well, although I seriously doubt that Soto was the problem. He seems like a pretty chill type of guy, not likely to cause much disfunction in the clubhouse.
If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on the Yanks to extend him or re-sign him once he gets to free agency. I expect him to be a Yankee for a long time. I think he’s really going to like NY.
LikeLike
I seldom read baseball news during the off season, except TBP of course, because of course, there is no news, when I read this I had to rush to see what happened with Soto. So I am now officially starting a new career. Baseball insider. Pads are freeing up money to sign Ohtani! You read it here!
Actually I just want to be wrong for a change, so Jeff will be happy.
LikeLike
You will be……………….and I will be. 🙂
LikeLike
In the meantime, the Dodgers are on the verge of signing Pat Venditte and Phil Bickford to blockbuster multi-year deals. 😀
LikeLike
Andrew is going to get into a lot of trouble for signing Bickford while he’s still under contract to the Mets.
Venditte feels that he didn’t get enough chance to prove himself just throwing right and left handed so he’s working on a spit ball, where he literally spits the ball to the plate.
LikeLike
I heard that Brandon Gomes was watching Ramon Troncoso throw a brief bullpen session in the Dodger Stadium parking lot over the weekend. I think Big Jon Broxton might have been there, too.
LikeLike
That was a false report. Brandon was following Doc around to make sure he didn’t open his mouth and ruin their chances for signing Shohei.
I really wonder who came up with that “total silence” garbage, if it was Shohei or his agent? Manfred should have stepped in and explained that if you’re going to be paid 500-600 mil you need to let baseball sell you and promote the game.
LikeLike
Ohtani decision rumored to be going down today, I hope you have your Ohtani to the Dodgers story ready to go Dennis.
LikeLike
And another Ohtani to the Blue Jays story, Dennis.
Someone has found a flight plan for a private jet from Orange County to Toronto today. Of course, other people could fly that route and it might have nothing to do with Shohei.
And Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, whom Ohtani has known since childhood, has booked a sushi restaurant for 50 people tonight. Of course, it could be to celebrate his wife’s birthday.
Boy, are we going to be surprised when he signs with the Royals.
LikeLike
Hong Chi-Kuo booked a flight into LAX for tomorrow.
LikeLike
I miss him. I’d trade Fergie for him today.
Just checked, he’s still only 42 and his arm has had 12 years to rest. Let’s do this!
LikeLike
I wonder how many $Millions Morosi cost the Dodgers with his false reporting?
LikeLike
That, plus Ohtani’s trip to the Jays ST complex in Dunedin definitely added to the Dodgers’ cost of the deal.
I feel bad for Morosi. He’s got to be one of the very nicest guys in all of baseball, but I’ve always viewed him as a bit gullible. I don’t know how that whole thing went down, but maybe a team or agent was using him and he just didn’t catch on in time.
LikeLike
You two are quite the pair, Dennis, and Jeff. I’m trying to figure out if you’re the new Lewis, and Martin, or Laurel, and Hardy. No wait you guys can be Abbott, and Costello, now you can do the who’s on first, bit.😀
LikeLike
Wrong, Keith, we’re the Two Stooges. Wanna be #3? We’re holding auditions.
LikeLike
I’ve got the belly to be curly, I’d just need a buzz job
LikeLike
You’re in! Welcome to the trio.
LikeLike
Someone always says ” Gordon is never wrong”. But I sure got this wrong. Other teams will sure be p..off at the dodgers . That’s a unbelievable contract! Probably a very bad business decision, short and long term, but will be fun for us fans.
LikeLike
Due to my deep respect for you Gordon, I won’t take advantage of your “Gordon is never wrong” quote.
I’m convinced the Dodger brain trust has factored in all kinds of stuff and they have decided that this is not a bad business decision, or they wouldn’t have done it.
Of course, there is always the possibility that Shohei suddenly stops playing like Shohei or starts hanging out with Bauer and that could make it a very bad business decision.
LikeLike
Thank you Jeff. History tells us that 10 year contracts never ever work out. And worse yet , the teams rarely reap any real benefits, short or medium term. On the positive side we get one of the best position players of all time, and one of the better pitchers in the league for 6 or 7 years. Now if we could find a couple of major league prospects in our system, we are good to go.
LikeLike
Well Andrew wouldn’t be denied. A hot dog, might be $25 this season but looks like the Dodgers got a very well paid DH for the next ten years. I thought maybe his price goes to 550 mil, but I never dreamed 700 mil would be the number.
LikeLike
$25 is the price for the mustard and relish. If you want the hot dog that’s another $25.
Two things:
I think the chances are still pretty decent that he’ll be able to pitch starting in 2025, but if not, he’s certainly enough of an athlete to be an every day outfielder.
Apparently, lots of his salary will be deferred and, although I have no idea exactly how that works, it will bring down the AAV in terms of the tax penalty. So it won’t be figured at 70 mil per year in terms of what they can spend on other players. I’m sure that management very carefully calculated how this was going to work and I still expect to see a couple of good pitchers added to the rotation by opening day.
LikeLike
I think AF will trade for Cease, who’s going to make 8 mil in 2024, and then sign someone like Giolitto, Lugo, or Flaherty, a pitcher that is cheaper with an upside. The question is which young pitchers would they have to give up.
LikeLike
Sounds just about right, unless he’d prefer to give up fewer prospects and tries for Burnes or Glasnow who only have one year of control left instead of Cease’s two. But, as you mentioned, Cease will be the lowest salary of the three by a fair amount.
In 2025, they expect to get May and Gonsolin back, although they may very well lose Buehler to free agency.
LikeLike
Suspect he won’t be giving up to many prospects, as we will need a whole lot of $500,000 year players on our roster now. May , as well go all in and sign Yamamoto. He’s free and a sure bet at his age. Give us the ace we really need for 6 or 8years
LikeLike
Andrew might like to have a lot of $500,000 a year players on the roster next year, but that will be impossible. The MLB minimum for 2024 is $740,000, but I get your point.
Just saw something on Twitter which says he’s still in on Yamamoto.
LikeLike
Very interested to find out how the deferments are going to affect the payroll regarding the luxury tax. I didn’t think deferments worked that way.
Where is everyone?
LikeLike
From what I understand, deferments are figured based on anticipated inflation numbers and stuff like that. So, if you’re being paid 70 mil but aren’t seeing that money until 2030 or 2035 or whatever, it’s like you weren’t really getting that much because inflation will make it worth less by the time you get your hands on it.
I saw one estimate today (no idea how accurate it was) that guessed the actual figure would be closer to something between 40-50 mil in AAV dollars.
By the way, it was apparently Ohtani’s idea to defer his salary and I think almost all of it will be deferred to one degree or another.
He had a really good statement on his Instagram account today when he announced he was coming to the Dodgers. Thanked the Angels and their fans, apologized for taking so long to decide and a few other things which lead me to believe he’s going to be a great asset and teammate. And I was one of those “no thank you on Ohtani” people, so I’ve already softened my stance on that based on all of the above.
We definitely need pitching so let’s see what Andrew gets us.
LikeLike
Thought deferment had no effect on AAV also. Will help dodgers bottom line but 70mil is 70mil.
LikeLike