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Dodgers: Why a rare free agent splurge on Gerrit Cole makes sense
The Dodgers need a #2 starter
It is no secret what propelled the Nationals and Astros to the 2019 World Series. Both clubs had very good starting rotations and most notably, both had a dynamite duo at the top of their playoff rotations. The Dodgers have Walker Buehler who established himself as an ace in the postseason but they currently need a number two starter.
Hyun-Jin Ryu is a free agent and Clayton Kershaw remains a very solid starting pitcher in the regular season but we all know what tends to happen in October. The Dodgers need to bolster their rotation with a number two starter and Gerrit Cole is the best starting pitcher on the market. He and Walker Buehler would make a dominant duo and help ease the burden off Clayton Kershaw.
Kershaw’s contract clears after two more seasons which would make it much easier to sign Gerrit Cole to a long term deal. Once Kershaw’s salary is off the books the Dodgers would easily have the flexibility to extend some of their young players even with Cole’s big salary still on the books.