We are two days into the new year and the Los Angeles Dodgers still haven’t landed that marquee free agent. There are plenty of trade rumors, but the team seems to have fallen behind in the four-horse race to land Josh Donaldson.
It begs the question: do top tier free agents even consider the Los Angeles Dodgers a desirable landing spot to continue their careers?
The Los Angeles Lakers have a rich history of bringing superstar talents to their franchise. Even the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have had better luck over the last several years bringing in big names. Yet, the Dodgers are batting nearly .000 for years now with major free agents, who weren’t finishing the previous season at Chavez Ravine.
Trades? Absolutely. That happens almost every year, but the last significant free agent has been A.J. Pollock, and he doesn’t come close to being in the same category as an Anthony Rendon.
So, why is that?
Dodgers fans are surely getting tired of seeing rival clubs making major additions while they stand pat. When their top target in the offseason would rather sign with the cross-town Angels, it has to raise eyebrows and frustrations. The Lakers bring in LeBron James. The Angels sign Rendon, Shohei Otani, and extend Mike Trout. Why are the Dodgers striking out more than Chris Davis?
According to Rendon himself, it’s “too Hollywood.” Do the Dodgers have an image complex? Is it truly too Hollywood? Or is the front office looked at as cheap and not willing to go the extra year on a contract? Both?
Either way, it’s another offseason without a needle-moving signing.
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