A new report claims that while the Los Angeles Dodgers are done handing out huge contracts to free agents, they are far from finished making huge moves to make sure they win another World Series in 2024.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Dodgers have won the offseason. No matter what moves other teams make before the 2024 season begins in March, nothing will top adding reigning American League MVP Shohei Ohtani, and elite Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a roster that won the National League West in 2023.
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After giving Ohtani a $700 million deal and Yamamoto a $325 million contract, there is no reason to expect them to make any more major splashes in MLB free agency. Even the super-rich have their limits. However, those moves are also evidence that LA is dead set on bringing home World Series No. 8 in October.
During a Friday chat with MLB Network Radio, The Athletic’s MLB insider, and former general manager, Jim Bowden explained why the Dodgers will no longer be pursuing star closer Josh Hader in the free agent market, but fans should be on the lookout for an unexpected move for, arguably, the AL’s top closer the last two years.
MLB insider expects Los Angeles Dodgers to make a play for Emmanuel Clase
“I do think you’ll see them add bullpen depth. I don’t think you’re going to see them spend another $104 million to get Hader,” Bowden said. “I don’t think that’s the case, but I’ll give you a sleeper for the Dodgers. Don’t be surprised if they make a trade for Emmanuel Clase from Cleveland. They are in this thing to win it at the highest level.
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“Don’t think [President of Baseball Operations] Andrew Friedman and [manager] Dave Roberts are done. They’re not done. Their goal right now is, literally, world championship.”
- Emmanuel Clase stats (2023): 3.22 ERA, 1.156 ERA, 44 saves, 64 SO, 72.2 IP
The Guardians closer was an All-Star the last two seasons and he posted a career-best 44 saves in 2023. He also still has three more arbitration years left on his rookie contract.
