Abundant financial strength is calm now off … US reporter says “I will go for the goal”
It appears the Dodgers are preparing to wage a battle for Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani, who will be a free agent next offseason. With abundant funds, he has been the protagonist of the stove league every year, but so far he has been “quiet”. Even the reinforcement measures show movements as if Otani hypothesized.
Infielder Dansby Swanson, who the Dodgers were reportedly looking to acquire, today agreed to a seven-year, $177 million deal with the Cubs. Speaking of offseason reinforcements, a one-year $20 million renewal with pitcher Clayton Kershaw and a one-year $13 million deal with Noah Syndergaard (just 80 million yen).
The Dodgers had crossed the luxury tax line two consecutive years through this season. If it falls below the standard amount even for one year, it will be reset to zero, but if it continues to exceed it, the collection amount will increase. It is also pointed out that the US media want to reset once to catch Otani in the upcoming off-season, which requires a huge amount of money in the class of 70 billion yen for 10 years.
Additionally, the Red Sox acquired outfielder JD Martinez, who was an FA. Although he is a powerful designated hitter who boasts a total of 282 home runs, it was a one-year contract with an annual salary of $1000 (about 1.37 billion yen). In 2024, I’m waiting for the DH post again. I don’t see a message like this.
In the starting rotation, not only Kershaw and Syndergaard, who have one-year contracts, but also Julio Urias will be the next FA. Strongarm Walker Buehler, who underwent surgery on Tommy John’s right elbow in August this year, is expected to return next season, but still has a vacant starting spot.
The Dodgers are well positioned to make the postseason for a 10th straight season and win the World Series every year. Los Angeles Times reporter Dylan Hernandez said, “I think the Dodgers are going to do it next year.”
(Masaya Kotani)
