The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the Winter Meetings having already met with Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg, and with reported interest in Anthony Rendon, among others, as well. Yet despite the Dodgers’ pursuit of the high-profile players, they left San Diego in disappointment.
L.A. did reportedly agree to a one-year contract with Blake Treinen, who may end up playing a key role for their bullpen if he is able to recapture his 2018 form. Meanwhile, the Dodgers additionally remain linked to various players.
On the trade front they reportedly are discussing multiple scenarios with the Cleveland Indians that may include Francisco Lindor and Mike Clevinger. The Dodgers are also thought to be a potential landing spot for the Chicago Cubs’ Kris Bryant or Nolan Arenado if the Colorado Rockies decide to act.
In terms of free agency, Dellin Betances, Madison Bumgarner and Josh Donaldson are the players the Dodgers most often are said to be in pursuit of. According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, Bumgarner shares interest in potentially signing with the San Francisco Giants’ longtime rival:
There is mutual interest between Madison Bumgarner and the Dodgers, sources told NBC Sports Bay Area this week, and the Dodgers met with Bumgarner’s representatives at the Winter Meetings.
There was some skepticism about the Dodgers’ true intentions, but sources say the interest is real, and that could put the Giants in a tough spot.
In addition to the Dodgers, Bumgarner’s market is believed to include the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins and Giants. The L.A. Angels made a splash by signing Rendon but still need starting pitching, and Bumgarner and Hyun-Jin Ryu have been speculated as potential targets.
It’s unclear what impact San Francisco electing not to present Bumgarner with a contract extension may have on their relationship and negotiations this winter. The Giants are the only franchise Bumgarner has known, and it’s one he’s helped lead to three World Series wins.
Aside from the intrigue that comes with Bumgarner having spent his entire career with the Giants and his history of run-ins with the Dodgers, their interest in a 30-year-old pitcher who may command a contract at five years and $100 million goes against previous strategy.
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