Justin Verlander re-signing with Astros may throw wrench in Dodgers’ plans

Most fans likely trust the Los Angeles Dodgers to “figure it out” and escape this muddled offseason unscathed. Conventional wisdom suggests that’ll be the most likely outcome based on what Andrew Friedman and Co. have done for the better part of the last decade.

However, one could argue this regime has never experienced a potential exodus such as this. You know all the big free agents. You know how their departures can affect the fabric and DNA of this Dodgers team. Everyone knows the stakes. Doesn’t make it any easier.

Most would agree the glaring starting pitching question marks are the most concerning. Clayton Kershaw didn’t get the qualifying offer and Friedman mentioned the left-hander might “need time” to think things over with his wife.

As for Max Scherzer, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the right-hander’s time in LA “hardly left him enamored enough to stay if someone else was offering more money.” And we already know how the Angels-Noah Syndergaard deal may have changed the market. Now, with Justin Verlander off the board, it could get really difficult for the Dodgers to work their magic.

The Dodgers were interested in Justin Verlander … but he re-signed with the Astros.

Brining JV to LA on a short-term big money deal could’ve given the Dodgers a viable top-of-the-rotation arm to replace one of Kershaw/Scherzer, provided leverage in the Scherzer talks, or outright replaced Scherzer should he decide to leave.

The risks are there with Verlander — he’s coming off Tommy John surgery, entering his age-39 season, having pitched just six innings since the start of 2020 — but he’s a future Hall of Famer with his last full season featuring a Cy Young award. Signing him would’ve sent a message and addressed a glaring need.

But now it’s back to square one. Andrew Heaney, who is bad, has been the lone starting rotation addition so far. Perhaps the Dodgers are looking to make a play for AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray. Maybe they’re serious about a trade with the Reds for Luis Castillo and/or Sonny Gray. But none of those potential acquisitions address the intangibles both Scherzer and Kershaw bring to the table. Postseason experience? Clubhouse leadership? Hall of Fame resumes?

Verlander was the only possible addition that could’ve alleviated one of these departures. Again, trusting the Dodgers to fix everything isn’t out of the question, but the most obvious solution is gone. The next move to address the top of the rotation might have to be something we’re least expecting.

Does Angels-Noah Syndergaard deal affect Max Scherzer’s return to Dodgers?

Will the Los Angeles Dodgers be affected by Noah Syndergaard signing with the Angels? Specifically, will it sway Max Scherzer in another direction?