Dodgers: Why a rare free agent splurge on Gerrit Cole makes sense
Maximize the current window for several Dodger stars
The Dodgers will enter the 2020 season with their World Series title window still wide open but baseball is a funny game and things can change quickly. It wasn’t too long ago that the Chicago Cubs were viewed as a potential dynasty in the making yet after they won their World Series, the team has struggled which has pushed them to consider dealing stars like Kris Bryant.
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This window will not stay open forever and signing Gerrit Cole would help maximize the window that is currently open for the Dodgers. While the tail end of Cole’s contract may not go well, he should remain an elite starting pitcher for the next three to four seasons. Pairing him with Walker Buehler for his prime years would give the Dodgers an even bigger shot to win a World Series every season.
Add in that Justin Turner is a free agent after the 2020 season and Clayton Kershaw is a free agent after the 2021 season and this could be the last shot or two at a ring for two fan favorites. There is no other free-agent that would increase the Dodgers’ odds of a World Series title more than Gerrit Cole. Pitching remains king in October and the Dodgers need to form their own formidable pair at the top of their rotation.
Andrew Friedman has yet to lure a star free-agent to Los Angeles but he should change up his game plan this off-season and sign Gerrit Cole. Cole is the best free-agent starting pitcher until Jacob deGrom has the ability to opt-out and become a free agent in 2022. Rather than hope Julio Urias or Dustin May quickly develop into number two starters, Friedman should go out and sign Cole.