Dodgers: 3 potential free agency mistakes LAD must avoid

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Cincinnati Reds in action during game two of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Cincinnati Reds in action during game two of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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Dodgers
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the second inning of Game One of the National League Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park on September 30, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

2. Overpaying Trevor Bauer

The Dodgers could be playing in the deep end of the pool for Trevor Bauer — but why, though?

Trevor Bauer certainly would prefer the Dodgers be involved in his free agency process, especially in this confusing offseason.

When Bauer declared he’d only sign one-year deals forever and ever, he probably didn’t anticipate a global pandemic creating an unprecedented need for financial security, we’d assume. At this point, one-year, $40 million looks less likely than ever, and Bauer will probably try to parlay his insane 2020 spin rate into a longer-term deal.

MLB Trade Rumors projects Bauer to head to Hollywood on a four-year, $128 million deal. While that’s certainly the type of commitment you make if you’re looking for the kill shot, the World Champions do not have a rotation problem.

Clayton Kershaw’s postseason should’ve put any doubts about his viability to rest, Walker Buehler grabbed the ace reins, Julio Urias was the most effective October pitcher of any Dodger, and Tony Gonsolin, while an October sore spot, was Baseball America’s Rookie of the Year. Dustin May, top prospect Josiah Gray…and, oh yeah, former Red Sox ace David Price, and all of a sudden, there are a lot of mouths to feed in Los Angeles.

So, staring at a troublesome bullpen and an up-in-the-air left side of the infield, why would the Dodgers commit a hefty chunk to Bauer? Just because he asked them to? Perhaps it’s time to let the outspoken righty be the Angels’ problem, if he’s so desperate to relocate to the region. They’re far more bereft of pitching, and they always have a budget to work with.

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