Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Shares His Stance on Keeping Julio Urias In LA

The young pitcher's contract status has been in question as he nears free agency.

Julio Urias’ will be a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, leading to some concern among Dodgers fans that he could leave LA as a free agent. The Los Angeles Dodgers will hope to secure another contract with him, as he has been one of the most dominant pitchers for the team.

The team’s president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, recently addressed Urias's contract status while speaking to reporters on Friday.

“We think Julio loves being a Dodger. I know that we love having Julio as a Dodger. I think negotiations are something we can keep more internal — not I think, I know. And time will tell. I think any time you have that dynamic where the team really wants the player and the player really likes the team, I think it increases the odds. But he’s put himself in a great position to go out and do really well for him and his family, rightfully so. And so we’ll let some time play out and see when we have something to share.”

Urias is a client of agent Scott Boras, who has a track record of clients who rarely sign contract extensions before getting to free agency. With that factor in mind, reporters asked Friedman if Boras has been open to discussing a deal.

“I think that’s a better question for him. I think you can deduce different things, but better question for him.”

Urias has been a critical piece of the Dodgers' pitching staff since he made his debut in 2016. The pitcher had an outstanding 2021 campaign, finishing seventh in the 2021 National League Cy Young voting while posting a 20-3 record with a 2.96 ERA. He is only 26 years old and has shown plenty of potential for continued success.

Urias is an essential part of the team's success and Dodgers seem to be committed to keeping him in Los Angeles, but only time will tell if they will truly be able to work out a deal that ensures he stays with the team.