Dodgers' contract 'update' on Andy Pages reminds fans where team should stand

When an ascending player gets a contract extension that buys out their arbitration years and early years of free agency, it tends to create a ripple effect across baseball. Teams look to their arbitration-eligible players and see if there is an extension candidate. Considering such an extension happened last week with the Chicago Cubs and Pete Crow-Armstrong, it stood to reason that someone would suggest such an idea for Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages.

Like Crow-Armstrong, Pages had his first extended runway in the majors during the 2024 season, and in 2025, had a breakout offensive campaign. The 25-year-old outfielder slashed .272/.313/.461 with 27 home runs and a wRC+ of 113 wRC+. In a reminder that he wasn't quite a finished product, Pages had historic struggles during the playoffs last October.

Still, being one of the Dodgers' offensive leaders by wRC+ last season, Pages flashed the high ceiling that was evident as he was making his ascent through the team's farm system. With the backdrop of Crow-Armstrong's extension, The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya (subscription required) provided an update on where things stand between the Dodgers and their young outfielder regarding a contract extension.

There's no need for the Los Angeles Dodgers to rush into an Andy Pages' contract extension

Pages' first year of arbitration is the 2027 season, so now would be the time for the Dodgers to get a deal done. As Ardaya reminds, that may not be a priority. The Dodgers haven't approached Pages about a contract extension, and LA's history would suggest that it may not be a priority. Will Smith's 10-year extension is one of the few times that the Dodgers signed a homegrown player to a new contract before they reached free agency.

It would seem, with Pages not being a free agent until after the 2030 season, the Dodgers are counting on the precedent that has already been set. Once Pages hits free agency, there's going to be a strong chance that he just re-ups with the team because the Dodgers have already made themselves the place to be.

It's also important that the top four prospects in the Dodgers' system are all outfielders. Long-term uncertainty isn't how one would describe LA's outfield picture. That's where the difference is with Pages' situation and Crow-Armstrong's with the Cubs. The Dodgers are not in a position where they need to find a team-friendly deal with Pages as a way to stabilize their long-term plan in the outfield. They can afford to let things play out.