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By Valentina Martinez
Contributing Sports Writer
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Aside from their signing of baseball's best closer, Edwin Diaz, the Los Angeles Dodgers have had a relatively quiet offseason. However, the defending champions have been linked to two of the biggest names on the free agent market this winter, Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette.
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Bichette is reportedly seeking a $300 million deal in free agency, and while money is not an issue for the Dodgers, the front office's interest in the 27-year-old hinges on one condition.
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MLB insider Bob Nightengale revealed the Dodgers would be eager to sign Bichette, but only to a short-term contract.
"The Los Angeles Dodgers would gladly sign Bichette if he was interested on a short-term contract," Nightengale writes.
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President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman's preferred method in the offseason is "hanging around the backboard." With the Dodgers waiting to see how Bichette's free agency process unfolds, the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as the frontrunner in the sweepstakes for the infielder.
"The Phillies’ interest in potentially signing Bichette came about after the holidays when Bichette expressed a desire in playing for them, particularly after the hiring last week of Don Mattingly as their bench coach," Nightengale added. "Mattingly was the Toronto Blue Jays’ bench coach the past three years and became close to Bichette."
The Dodgers are not expected to change their stance on preferring a short-term deal for any remaining free agents. The defending champions had Diaz practically fall into their laps, and it's possible Bichette or Tucker could also follow suit.
The Phillies' interest in the Blue Jays star has certainly made things interesting, as their second meeting with Bichette on Monday is a huge development in his market this winter.
Nevertheless, the Dodgers have been busy making under-the-radar moves, acquiring two utility players on Friday. The first of which was versatile infielder Ryan Fitzgerald, who LA claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
Read more: Dodgers Claim Versatile Infielder Ryan Fitzgerald After Roster Shakeup
The Dodgers also signed former Detroit Tigers infielder Andy Ibañez to a one-year big league deal Friday.
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