The Los Angeles Dodgers did not formally announce president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman signed a new contract to remain with the team, but according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, a deal is in place.
Though there were some rumblings Friedman potentially would be lured away by the Boston Red Sox, he said last month a new agreement was being worked on. “At this point it’s just finalizing it,” Friedman said.
Then during the general managers meetings, he indicated there was an understanding with the Dodgers even though a contract had not been finalized.
The situation was similar to what manager Dave Roberts faced last season as his contract expired at the conclusion of the 2019 season. Roberts ultimately signed a four-year contract in December.
Much like when Friedman and Roberts both maintained a new agreement would eventually be reached, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten voiced similar confidence about the organization’s head of baseball operations in September.
The Dodgers have quietly extended their baseball president Andrew Friedman after 5 first-place finishes in his 5 years there. It’s so quiet they don’t seem likely to say how long the new deal is for, and they just may not announce it at all.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 23, 2019
Friedman joined the Dodgers after the 2014 season and during his tenure has added to the franchise’s dominance over the National League West while also rebuilding their farm system.
Under Friedman the Dodgers have extended their streak of NL West titles to seven in a row, won at least 91 games in each of the past two seasons and set a franchise record with 106 wins this year, among other accomplishments.
Of course, what continues to escape Friedman and the Dodgers is a World Series win, which in turn has garnered increased criticism. Despite the earlier-than-expected exit and mounting scrutiny of Roberts, he’s due to return as manager next season.
Friedman expressed surprise that Roberts’ job security would even be questioned. What he was more understanding of is fans’ disappointment with the team’s performance this October. “I get it,” Friedman said.
“I think everybody was extremely upset. I can’t remember being around a group that was as committed to doing everything that they could to win a World Series. Obviously we did not do that, but from Spring Training into the season, throughout the season, it was a singular focus virtually for everybody in our clubhouse.
“It was as good of a group as I’ve ever been around. Obviously it wasn’t enough, but we share in that disappointment and frustration. It was heartwrenching in a lot of ways. I think it’s something for us, as we sit here and look forward to the offseason, we have to focus on things that will help us in our quest to deliver a World Series championship to Los Angeles.
“A big part of the reason why we are as motivated as we are to do it is because of our great fans. You look at the passion and energy that they bring. Look at our home record this year. It’s not an accident we played as well as we did at home. Just the passion, energy and volume of people we got in here throughout the year, that’s part of what makes this so heartbreaking.”