The Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to many of the top free agents this offseason, but it does not sound like they expect to sign the best position player on the market.
The Dodgers are one of several teams that are pursuing Anthony Rendon, but Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that they are “pessimistic” about their chances of signing the star third baseman. The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels sound like more likely landing spots for Rendon.
#Dodgers pessimistic on chances of landing free-agent third baseman Anthony Rendon, sources tell The Athletic. #Rangers remain heavily involved. #Angels also interested, too. #Nationals a long shot; Rendon balked at deferrals in their initial seven-year, $210M-$215M offer.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2019
The Dodgers were said to be serious about trying to sign Gerrit Cole, who inked a historical deal with the New York Yankees on Tuesday. That would seemingly indicate LA has money to spend elsewhere, but perhaps they do not want to give Rendon the type of contract he is seeking. The Dodgers have reportedly turned their attention to Madison Bumgarner after missing out on Cole, so they seem to be placing a higher priority on improving their starting rotation than their lineup.
Rendon, 29, hit .319 with 34 home runs, 126 RBI and an OPS of 1.010 last year. He is also a top target for the Philadelphia Phillies, so it’s only a matter of time before he lands a massive deal.
