Los Angeles Dodgers: Predicting the three biggest moves this winter
By Jason Reed
2. Re-sign Hyun-Jin Ryu to a three-year contract
The pitcher that many Dodger fans are expecting or hoping for is either Gerrit Cole or Stephen Strasburg. However, because of various reasons for both guys, I think the Dodgers will instead go with what they are familiar with in Hyun-Jin Ryu.
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels appear to be in a bidding war for Gerrit Cole that may reach points that don’t even make it worth it for the Dodgers. Plus, it would not be smart to only go all-in on Cole, miss out on him and miss a chance to make any other moves.
As for Strasburg, he is the beneficiary of a great postseason that is probably overvaluing him. Strasburg is only two months younger than Clayton Kershaw and signing him to a six or seven-year deal is only setting the team up to be in a terrible situation down the stretch.
With that in mind, the Dodgers may look to sign Ryu as he would be a short-term commitment that does not restrict the team. A three-year, $75 million contract is fair for Ryu, who is coming off the best two-year run of his career but has some health concerns.
This keeps the Dodgers flexible in the future and once Kershaw and/or Ryu’s contract expires the team can attack another pitcher on the free-agent market.
You can love it or hate it, this is just what I think is going to happen based on the Dodgers’ trends and current situation. You’re going to like the next one, though.