Dodgers News: MLB Writer Ranks LA As Top Free Agency Destination
When a free agent picks a new place to play, factors more than just the money play key roles in their decision. Some of these factors are overall fit with the team, team needs, playoff contention, and, of course, location.
The Dodgers are viewed by many to be a top destination for free agents. According to a post by Bleacher Report, LA is the top destination this offseason. Here's a part of what they had to say:
"Say what you will about the Dodgers only having one World Series championship to show for it, but they've been far and away MLB's most consistent winner of the last decade."
Andrew Friedman and the front office have created one of the most desirable destinations for any free agent. The team has been a perennial World Series contender, with a top-of-the-line analytics department, coaching staff, and facilities.
Pitchers in particular love coming to LA to work with Mark Prior and the pitching staff. Prior and his staff seem to get the best out of most pitchers and send them on their way to lucrative multi-year deals.
There is star power everywhere. Whether it's the usual suspects such as Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts or the new guys like James Outman and Bobby Miller, the clubhouse is full of elite players making their name in MLB.
Then there's Dodger Stadium itself, with its recently renovated center field plaza. With the San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop, there may not be a more beautiful location to play that also happens to sell out to 50,000 fans nightly.
Now having deep pockets is a necessity when trying to sign free agents. California currently has the largest state income tax in the country. So trying to match deals with teams from Florida, or soon Las Vegas, means the Dodgers have to pay a little more to compensate for that tax.
With around $100 million to spend this offseason before hitting the luxury tax threshold, it helps to have all of the above to pitch to a free agent. It gives the Dodgers something more to sell than just the number on the contract. Hopefully, it goes a long way to land some pretty big fish this offseason.
