The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most successful and high-profile teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), are constantly in the spotlight, both on the field and in the financial arena. As a big-market team with a deep talent pool, the Dodgers have long been known for making aggressive moves in free agency to solidify their roster. However, even with their significant financial resources, certain players’ potential asking prices could make re-signing them increasingly difficult. In recent years, there have been notable examples of Dodgers free agents whose contract demands might push them out of Los Angeles, despite their pivotal roles in the team’s success.
Let’s explore three prominent free agents from the Dodgers whose pricing could lead them to leave for new opportunities: Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, and Trea Turner. Each of these players has been a crucial contributor to the team, but their contracts, market value, and what they could command on the open market could lead the Dodgers to decide it’s not financially viable to retain them.
1. Clayton Kershaw: The Uncertain Future of an Iconic Ace
Contract Overview
When we think of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw’s name is often the first to come to mind. The future Hall of Famer, who has spent his entire 15-season career with the Dodgers, is arguably the most iconic pitcher in franchise history. Kershaw has been the face of the Dodgers’ pitching staff for over a decade, earning three Cy Young Awards, a World Series title, and numerous All-Star appearances. His postseason heroics in 2020, in particular, solidified his legacy.
Kershaw, however, is now in the twilight of his career. At the time of writing, Kershaw has been on a series of one-year deals with the Dodgers, and his 2025 contract situation is up in the air. As he enters free agency, there’s no doubt that he will still command a significant salary, but the question is whether the Dodgers will be willing to meet his asking price.
Pricing Out of Los Angeles
Kershaw’s situation is unique, as he’s likely to command a lucrative contract extension, especially if he’s still performing at a high level. However, several factors are at play that could price him out of Los Angeles:
- Age and Health Concerns: Kershaw is now in his mid-30s, and while he’s shown glimpses of the dominant ace he once was, he has battled injuries in recent years. Back issues and arm soreness have kept him from being a reliable 200-inning workhorse. Given his injury history, he may not command the same number of years or guaranteed money as younger pitchers, but he could still command a sizable salary as a veteran ace.
- The Dodgers’ Rotation Depth: With talented young pitchers like Julio Urías, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolinon the roster, the Dodgers may choose to invest their resources elsewhere. While Kershaw has been a cornerstone of the team’s pitching staff, his potential asking price could be too high for the Dodgers to justify when they have other, less expensive options to fill the rotation.
- Other Market Options: Teams around the league that are in need of an established ace or are looking to make a run at a championship could offer Kershaw more money or a longer-term contract. A team like the Texas Rangersor the Chicago Cubs, both of which could be in need of veteran leadership and pitching depth, might be willing to outbid the Dodgers for Kershaw’s services.
Ultimately, while Kershaw is beloved in Los Angeles, the financial aspect of his free agency and the Dodgers’ potential need to allocate funds toward younger pitchers and other areas of their roster could lead to his departure. His price tag might simply be too high for the Dodgers to handle, especially if a contender offers him more years and money.
2. Max Scherzer: Aging Superstar with Sky-High Value
Contract Overview
Max Scherzer, one of the top pitchers of his generation, joined the Dodgers in 2021 at the trade deadline in a blockbuster deal with the Washington Nationals. The Dodgers brought Scherzer on board to help solidify their pitching staff for a postseason run, and he delivered—performing admirably through the stretch and into the playoffs. However, after the 2021 season, Scherzer elected to leave the Dodgers in favor of signing a massive three-year deal with the New York Mets, valued at $130 million.
While Scherzer is no longer a member of the Dodgers, it’s important to include him in the conversation because of the massive financial commitments he’s made in the latter stages of his career. His departure from the Dodgers provides a blueprint of how pricing a star out of Los Angeles can unfold.
Pricing Out of Los Angeles
The Dodgers, despite their willingness to spend big on talent, may not have been inclined to meet Scherzer’s asking price during his free agency. Here’s why:
- Age and Declining Performance: Scherzer is now in his late 30s and coming off a season where his performance has begun to show signs of decline. His velocity is down, and although he’s still a workhorse, he’s not the same pitcher who dominated the league during his prime. As Scherzer gets older, the likelihood of a contract extension or long-term deal becomes more of a gamble. Even for the Dodgers, who have historically shown a willingness to pay top dollar for top-tier talent, Scherzer’s asking price could have been seen as prohibitive for the long-term health of the team’s finances.
- Other Priorities: At the time Scherzer was a free agent, the Dodgers were already looking ahead to big contracts for other stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Committing a large amount of money to a declining pitcher, no matter how good he had been in the past, was not a priority when the Dodgers needed to think about their future investments. Scherzer’s deal with the Mets reflected a team willing to spend whatever it took to secure his services, a move the Dodgers were not inclined to replicate given the state of their roster.
- The Mets’ Spending Power: Scherzer ultimately signed a deal with the Mets that the Dodgers were unwilling to match, at least in terms of the years and total value. The Mets, under owner Steve Cohen, are not constrained by the same payroll concerns as the Dodgers, allowing them to make bold financial decisions without the same level of restraint. For Scherzer, leaving for the Mets was a lucrative opportunity to cash in one last time on a large contract.
3. Trea Turner: The Rising Star with an Elite Price Tag
Contract Overview
Trea Turner, one of the premier shortstops in Major League Baseball, spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Dodgers after being acquired from the Washington Nationals. Turner immediately made an impact with his elite speed, defensive versatility, and hitting prowess, becoming one of the best all-around shortstops in the game.
Turner entered free agency after the 2022 season and eventually signed a massive 11-year, $300 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Though the Dodgers made a significant effort to retain Turner, the combination of his high asking price and the team’s need to allocate funds elsewhere ultimately led to his departure. Turner’s case offers insight into how a player’s market value can exceed the financial comfort zone of a team, even one as resource-rich as the Dodgers.
Pricing Out of Los Angeles
Turner’s departure from Los Angeles was largely due to his sky-high asking price:
- Elite Shortstop Market: Turner was not only one of the best shortstops available, but he was also one of the most complete players in the game. His combination of elite defense, speed, and consistent offensive production made him a coveted free agent. While the Dodgers could have made a strong case for bringing him back, the length and value of his deal ultimately made it too difficult for them to fit into their long-term financial plans.
- Salary Cap and Roster Allocation: Even with a deep-pocketed ownership group, the Dodgers must balance their salary cap and long-term payroll flexibility. With the team already committed to contracts for players like Betts, Freeman, and Walker Buehler, signing Turner to a massive deal would have limited their flexibility moving forward, particularly when considering the need to reinvest in the pitching staff and other key players. The Dodgers ultimately made the decision that Turner’s price tag wasn’t justifiable in the grand scheme of their roster construction.
- Philadelphia’s Aggressive Bid: The Phillies, with their aggressive ownership and willingness to spend on elite talent, were willing to pay a premium for Turner. His deal with the Phillies was a clear indication that his price tag was well beyond what the Dodgers were comfortable with, especially given their other financial priorities. Turner’s decision to join the Phillies was a matter of taking the largest financial offer, something the Dodgers simply couldn’t match.
Conclusion: Pricing Out of Los Angeles
The Dodgers’ ability to retain their top free agents is often tempered by the realities of the MLB marketplace, even for one of the league’s wealthiest teams. As much as Los Angeles wants to keep its homegrown talent and veteran stars, the increasing salary demands of players like Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, and Trea Turner can price them out of the team’s plans. While the Dodgers will likely continue to be active players in the free-agent market, their financial flexibility and commitment to roster building may lead them to part ways with iconic stars if the price is too steep. The balance between financial prudence
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