3 cheaper pitchers Dodgers should sign over Justin Verlander

1. Carlos Rodon

If the Dodgers are truly interested in signing a front-line starting pitcher, then the only option for the team to truly consider is Carlos Rodon, who denied his player option with the San Francisco Giants and after another great season on the mound. The southpaw is ready to get paid.

Spotrac estimates Rodon’s market value at $32.478 million this offseason, projecting him to get a six-year, $194.8 million deal (which seems excessive).

It still seems unlikely that the Dodgers spend that much on one starter with there being talented arms in the farm system and the fact that Urías and Buehler are due for contracts soon. That being said, if there’s someone to sign to that kind of deal, it’s Rodon.

Rodon is younger than Verlander and the Dodgers would be getting the prime years of the southpaw’s career. Rodon turns 30 before the 2023 season and likely has another 4-5 top seasons in him if he can stay healthy.

The left-hander has been one of the best pitchers in the entire league over the last two years and sports one of the best pitch combinations among starters. His fastball-slider mix is as good as it gets, and he mixes in a solid curveball and decent changeup.

The Dodgers know a thing or two about a wipeout lefty that has a great fastball-slider combination. Rodon has a 2.42 combined FIP over the last two years (leading the league in 2022). Clayton Kershaw’s FIP in his age 28 and 29 season was a combined 2.49. If you’re gonna pay up, this is the opportunity to do so.

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