Los Angeles Dodgers, which maintains a tight budget, signed free agent right-hander Noah Syndergaard on the 15th (hereinafter Korean time).
The terms of the contract are $13 million for one year and $1.5 million in incentives. Syndergaard, who earned the nickname “Thor” for throwing a powerful fastball that reached 100 miles in the early days of his debut, faded from fans’ memories as he underwent elbow surgery and took almost the entirety of 2020-2021 off. However, he successfully revived this year with 10 wins and 10 losses and an earned run average of 3.94, appearing in 25 games for the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies.
Although somewhat unexpected, the Dodgers, whose starting lineup was not solid, can expect stability in the rotation by bringing Syndergaard, who is a 4th or 5th starter.
However, the reason why the Dodgers have been so passive this offseason can be summarized into three main reasons. One is that, as analyzed by local media, it is certain that the Dodgers will jump into the race to sign Shohei Ohtani, the biggest free agent in the offseason next year. Money is needed to bring Ohtani, which is expected to total more than $400 million.
Another is that pitcher Trevor Bauer, who was suspended from playing, may request a retrial, which may result in additional annual salary costs. Lastly, the Dodgers paid the luxury tax for two consecutive years last year and this year. Next year I want to reset it. If the luxury tax is borne for two consecutive years or three consecutive years, the tax rate increases. That’s why I’m not spending money this winter.
In fact, there is no need to look at the Ohtani recruitment, Bauer lottery, and luxury tax as they are related to the club’s payroll. Among these, the issue with the greatest uncertainty is Bauer’s request for retrial.
According to the LA Times, Bauer filed an objection, saying that the two-year suspension imposed by MLB was unfair despite the prosecution’s decision not to prosecute the sexual assault charge in February. A ruling is said to come out next month. If the disciplinary decision is overturned, the Dodgers must pay the salary according to the contract with Bauer. Of the three-year, $102 million contract signed as free agent in February last year, this year’s and next year’s total annual salary is $64 million. That’s a hefty extra cost.
In other words, next year’s payroll, which is currently expected to be around $200 million, can exceed the luxury tax threshold of $233 million. An additional payment is also required for this year’s luxury tax. The LA Times pointed out that ‘there is a possibility that the punishment will be somewhat reduced, but in that case, some, if not all of the annual salary, will have to be paid’. 메이저사이트
As a club, we have to keep the worst in mind. Until a decision is made on whether to pay Bauer’s annual salary, he cannot recklessly spend money. To place the biggest bet on Ohtani’s recruitment next year, a retrial should come out in the direction the Dodgers want.
On the other hand, the local media fanside said about Ohtani’s price in the free agency market next year, ‘Carlos Corea, Trey Turner, Aaron Judge, and Zander Bogatz all signed great contracts in this free agent market. By the end of next year Ohtani has a very, very good chance of becoming the first $500 million player in major league history.”