Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Hopes Julio Urias Re-Signs With LA in Offseason

Should the Dodgers want Urias back?

As this season continues on, the hope is that the Dodgers make a run to the World Series. But in the back of everyones mind is one thing, the impending free agency of the Angels Shohei Ohtani. It has been at the forefront of the Dodgers 2024 offseason plans for a long time coming now and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman knows it. 

However, as the Dodgers prepare to make a run at Ohtani this winter, it could leave one fan favorite out of the picture. Julio Urias. 

Urias is also scheduled to be a free agent after this season and while the Dodgers want to re-sign him, if they land Ohtani, it may not be in the cards. Manager Dave Roberts spoke on Urias and his upcoming free agency.

“We love Julio — he’s been a great Dodger — and our hope [is that we re-sign him],” Roberts said. “But when you’re a free agent, he’s earned the right to make the decision himself. So for me, I would love to have Julio, but as a free agent, it’s what’s best for his family, and he and his agent have to make that decision.”

Per The LA Times

If the Dodgers were able to retain Urias while also signing Ohtani, it would be a dream come true. But the reality is that they may not be able to afford both so a decision would need to be made. The connection that Urias has with the LA fans is strong so it could be tough to part ways with him. 

Urias was just reactivated from the injured list Saturday and took the loss against the Kansas City Royals. On the year, he has been a little out of sorts as he has posted an ERA of 4.94. He had been one of the more dominant pitchers over the last two seasons but this year, it has been a little regression for the left-hander. 

It could possibly be due to the contract coming up or some injury he was dealing with. Whatever tt is, the Dodgers are happy to have him back in the rotation.

Urias has been one of the more reliable pitchers on the mound for the team and has shown flashes of his former self this season as well. The hope is that he continues to build back up from being gone for so long and helps this team make a run for another World Series.