There might be an MLB lockout on the horizon, but before that is set to begin, the Los Angeles Dodgers could make some major roster changes.
Teams will be able to sign free agents in the month of November, and experts told Andy McCullough of The Athletic that they think the looming shutdown will “spur activity.”
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To begin with, the Dodgers have nine players hitting free agency this offseason, perhaps none as impactful as Tarik Skubal.
The pitcher arrived in LA just before the All-Star break and delivered on his promise, and his agent, Scott Boras, told McCullough that teams could be incentivized to act now.
If they wait too long, they’ll be subject to potential new rules approved in whatever deal is reached by MLB and the players union on a new collective bargaining agreement.
If there’s a salary cap, for instance, it could cost players money and teams the freedom to pursue superstars.
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“For many teams, I can make an argument it’s clearly best for them to sign players currently, before the (new) CBA, than it is after,” agent Scott Boras said. “Because they have more freedom to do what they’re going to do. They can react later. Now they can get the talent. They can get what they want.”
This isn’t just a one-way street, though.
The Dodgers will also be able to pursue free agents who played for other squads last year, and considering that many believe the Dodgers need to get younger, free agency could be a way for LA to do just that.
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And with the future of a potential salary cap up in the air, the Dodgers might be wise to lock down some younger talent now before they’re potentially limited from doing so in the future.
For instance, could the Dodgers add another Japanese star in Teruaki Sato?
He, too, will be available to sign in November and would bring excellent hitting to a team that struggled to drive runs in this October.
The Dodgers will, of course, face steep competition from other teams who also want to sign Skubal, Sato and plenty of other stars, meaning this November is shaping up to be a particularly chaotic one.
Do you think the Dodgers will make big moves in November?
