This Free Agent Signing Will DESTROY the Dodgers Culture and Clubhouse
We’ve all seen the rumors, “Dodgers remain in talks with Carlos Correa and his agent.” The same goes for Freddie Freeman. It’s click bait, none of it is really that serious. Agents talk to any team that will pay big and has a potential spot. Of course the Dodgers are going to speak to Correa; it’s Los Angeles, they have the money to sign anybody. However, this doesn’t mean they’re going to go flocking around signing every big name they can. This would wipe their financial state, along with baseball viewers.
Carlos Correa pimping a home run, via “Beyond the Box Score”
Carlos Correa would create a toxic clubhouse
Correa is the second, arguably the best shortstop in baseball. The Dodgers have money to sign him. But in no world would any of it make sense. I’ve seen too many people talk about this on Twitter like it’s the only thing the Dodgers can do to win the 2022 World Series. There’s likely going to be another shortened season due to the lockout, I don’t think they need to worry about not winning the World Series. Anyways, bringing Correa to the Dodgers would do nothing but destroy them and the current culture the team and fans possess. Do you really think Dave Roberts would be happy to see Carlos Correa in his clubhouse everyday, the man who contributed to the most controversial World Series in recent memory, potentially stealing the title from LA? Roberts takes pride in his players, Correa is a cheater who doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut. Just two months ago he was throwing shade on Derek Jeter, while in the process of potentially trying to sign with the Yankees. He already told Ken Rosenthal in an interview that “Bellinger doesn’t know the facts,” and that he shouldn’t be allowed to discuss the sign stealing scandal. Now think about what he said off camera about him, or just picture them in the same locker room. Correa’s talent on the team would be undeniable, but you can only imagine how chaotic it would be behind the scenes. No one will have respect for him.
Trea Turner celebrating a huge home run via, “True Blue LA”
Trea Turner is their guy
When the Dodgers traded for Trea Turner back in July, it was obvious they wanted to move in the direction with him as the captain of their infield, especially with how much they had to give up. The front office had an idea that Seager would be heading out the door, as there was a report he declined a massive 300 plus million dollar extension prior to spring training. Turner will be a free agent after the 2022 season. Based on the current situation the Dodgers have, there’s no doubt that they will do all they can to keep him. Trea Turner is the most balanced player in baseball. He finished the 2021 season with a .328 batting average, which secured him the National League batting title. Add that with his top tier speed, pop in the bat, and slick fielding, he’s a top three shortstop. He’s neck and neck with Correa, adding him to the squad would be a huge waste of money, leading to not being able to spend money on other players.
Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen after Game 5 of the 2016 NLDS. via “dodgerblue.com”
How would you pay for your other All-Stars?
Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen still remain unsigned. Correa wants 400 million, how will you have money to keep your other players? Buehler and Bellinger’s contracts will expire soon. Also, they are paying Mookie Betts over 30 million a year. The market is obviously inflating a ton right now, but that doesn’t mean throwing over 300 million dollars at every player on the market is a beneficial move for your team. This isn’t franchise mode in MLB the Show. Only the elite class and franchise changing players should be thrown record breaking contracts like this. Those players include Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuna Jr., Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jacob deGrom, Shoei Ohtani, and Bryce Harper. There’s also a strong case for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Fans tweeting about how the Dodgers can just go and get Correa is like a rich kid telling their parents to go grab money from the ATM for an item they don’t need in any way. Is Carlos Correa really special enough to be paid a record breaking contract? Especially when you already have a top 3 shortstop? No. Definition of a want, not a need.
Cody Bellinger delivering a game tying home run in Game 3 of the NLCS, via “USA Today”
What is the answer for the Dodgers this offseason?
Even after losing Corey Seager and Max Scherzer, the Dodgers still maintain the best roster in baseball. It’s ridiculous seeing people say they’re going to fall off. Every single one of their starters would be a star on any team, their bench players would be starters on a majority of Major League Baseball teams. The Dodgers don’t really need to go and sign anybody. The priority should be to re-sign Kershaw and Jansen. Walker Buehler and Cody Bellinger will be free agents within the coming years, and they won’t come cheap. LA needs to do whatever they can to save their money, especially with the high luxury tax coming in due to the Trea Turner trade. On that note, they need to look into extending Trea Turner, possibly doing it before the season starts. There is no right answer to the Dodgers offseason plans. They have the best front office in baseball, whatever moves Andrew Friedman makes will be the best possible decision for the Dodgers.
