...
By Nelson Espinal
Contributing Sports Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman addressed the team's ability to make another big signing over the offseason after landing star closer Edwin Diaz.
The Dodgers agreed to a three-year deal with Diaz that will pay him $69 million, averaging out to $23 million per season, bolstering their biggest weakness — the bullpen.
While the addition certainly makes the Dodgers better and a bigger favorite for the coming season, the Dodgers could still use another reliever for high-leverage moments, and a handful of outfielders, along with another capable bench bat.
Read More on MLB
The Dodgers' shopping list is quite long, even after winning two straight titles, especially since the organization wants a three-peat.
...
Given the needs that still need to be addressed, the question is how much more money the Dodgers can spend on a roster that is already the most expensive in baseball.
More news: Mets All-Star Starting Pitcher Drawing Trade Interest at Winter Meetings
During the MLB Winter Meetings, Dodgers' executive Andrew Friedman was asked if another big signing could be coming from the reigning champions, though he played it quite coy.
“I would say we definitely can. How likely is it? That's another question," Friedman told Dodgers Nation's Doug McKain.
While Friedman's comments could be taken as tampering with expectations, he could very well end up hiding an ace up his sleeve.
Before the Diaz signing, Friedman downplayed the need for the Dodgers to sign a reliever, pointing to the year-to-year variance that comes in the bullpen.
“I think we have a lot of talented relievers coming back next year and feel like it will be a strength,” Friedman said before signing Diaz. “Obviously, there’s a lot of noise (variance) that takes place in the performance of that group but the performance is critical. So if we can augment it and enhance it we will. But I don’t feel like it’s a necessity.”
The ballclub eventually decided it was necessary to offer the highest average annual value contract for a reliever in baseball history.
The same could happen with the outfield, landing either Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, two big names who would immediately help an outfield platoon that is the team's weakest position group.
More news: Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza Breaks Silence on Clubhouse Drama Rumors
For all the latest MLB news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines