LOS ANGELES -- The widespread, undying belief that the Los Angeles Dodgers will be major players in free agency seems almost laughable. Thirteen nine-figure contracts have been given to free agents since Andrew Friedman became the club's president of baseball operations in October 2014. None came from his Dodgers.
Leading up to the 2017 season, the Dodgers spent $80 million to retain the services of closer Kenley Jansen and rewarded third baseman Justin Turner with a four-year, $64 million deal. They previously allocated $48 million each for three middle-tier starting pitchers -- Rich Hill, Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir -- and guaranteed Kenta Maeda a minimum of $25 million over the life of an eight-year contract.