Obviously in following the wild MLB news cycle as you do this time of year, you heard about Stephen Strasburg’s mega 7-year, $245 million dollar contract signed with the Washington Nationals on Monday.
Later on, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman held court with the media. While he spoke about the closer’s role and pressing needs this offseason, he also shared thoughts on the Strasburg deal in itself.
Therefore, Bill Plunkett of the OC Register has the skinny on it for all of us.
#Dodgers Andrew Friedman liked the Stephen Strasburg contract news for at least one reason: "I always think it's great when there's a homegrown player that's potentially signed up to finish his career in the same place. There's something nostalgic about that for me."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) December 10, 2019
In short, Friedman gets nostalgic when he sees a homegrown player potentially sign a deal that puts him in one place his entire career. Here is what he said about Strasburg’s contract.
“I always think it’s great when a homegrown player that has potentially signed up to finish his career in the same place. There is something nostalgic about that for me.”
Honestly, I agree whole-heartedly with Friedman here. There is a part of me that is happy to see Strasburg stay with the organization that took him first-overall in the MLB draft – and assumably he will finish his career where it started. Moreover, it seems good for the sport.
In addition, what does this mean for the current Dodgers?
By comparison, it’s fair to ask in the near-term how close Walker Buehler could be to a very similar deal. Furthermore, ESPN recently had Cody Bellinger as the next most likely player that will deserve a $400 million dollar contract that approaches Mike Trout territory.
With that being said, do you think Friedman’s comments on the Strasburg deal are indicative of his willingness to do a similar long-term contract with a deserving current Dodger?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments, including who that player will be. And when does it make sense to offer said deal.
