Dodgers Rumors: Insider Thinks LA Could Sign The Top 2 Free Agents This Offseason
It's no secret that the Los Angeles Dodgers will go big-name hunting during this free agency period.
After a disappointing postseason performance -- coupled with tons of money rolling off the books -- the Dodgers are truly poised to make a couple of substantial splashes this offseason. Two of the more prominent names associated with the club include Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Based on a recent clip from MLB Tonight, the Dodgers might be sitting in the catbird seat for both stars:
This segment was primarily addressing Yamamoto and his future as an MLB player. Despite his diminutive frame, he has plus stuff -- including a fastball exceeding 100 MPH and a wicked splitter. The conversation transitioned into speculation as to where the 25-year-old may sign.
Host Adnan Virk jokingly said, "Imagine if the Dodgers got both Ohani and Yamamoto!"
In response, former MLB pitcher/current MLB Network analyst Al Leiter had this to say:
"See, that's what it looks like. Dodgers have been taking a lot of chips off the table."
- Al Leiter on the status of both Ohtani and Yamamoto per MLB Network
Virk immediately responded with "That's scary! Because now we're hearing Ohtani might take a smaller deal with a higher AAV. Dodgers got no problem -- 3 years/$150 [million] or $160 [million]. And we'll give this guy $200 million dollars. Now we're ready to go."
It's no secret the Dodgers are in desperate need of starting pitching. Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May are out with long-term injuries. Clayton Kershaw's return to the team -- or even baseball -- is up in the air at this point. It doesn't appear likely Julio Urias will ever make an appearance again with the franchise.
At this point without any moves made, the Dodgers would be relying heavily upon a trio of very young arms (Ryan Pepiot, Emmet Sheehan, Bobby Miller) and Walker Buehler (also coming back from a serious arm injury).
Landing Yamamoto would make a ton of sense for the Dodgers. Ohtani's prolific nature as a slugger also further enhances an already elite lineup.
