One free agent each MLB team needs to target this offseason

Los Angeles Dodgers: Anthony Rendon

Believe it or not, the Dodgers will have money to burn again this offseason. Shocker. Ownership really has no choice but to continue throwing as much many as possible at the roster in an effort to end a lengthy World Series drought. They’ve been so close for so long, so why stop now. It worked for the Nationals.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan predicted that Rendon would sign with the Dodgers for five years and $200 million, so let’s break down just how likely it is that Rendon ends up in Los Angeles. The third baseman turned down seven years and $210 million from the Nationals over the summer, so he has seemingly set the floor for contract negotiations at over $30 million per year. Rendon has also been every bit as good as Colorado’s Nolan Arenado, who landed a deal for $260 million over eight years.

Arenado’s total guaranteed sum may not be readily available to Rendon on the open market because the Rockies likely paid extra to convince their homegrown star to give up free agency entirely. It is more likely that Rendon could find a higher annual salary on a slightly shorter deal.

The Dodgers have gotten themselves well below the luxury-tax threshold heading into the winter, which should be scary to rival general managers. They can afford to sign one big-time free agent, and Rendon makes the most sense.

The Dodgers need that additional superstar to pair with Cody Bellinger if they really want to win it all. Gerrit Cole would also be a nice addition, but Rendon’s impact would be greater on a team that already has plenty of pitching.