Julio Urías legal update probably changes nothing for Dodgers in free agency

Julio Urías' legal situation still isn't settled, but it took a major step foward on Tuesday night. As is the case with high-profile individuals, these cases tend to move particularly slowly, and we're on month five with the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher.

ESPN reported the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will not file felony charges against Urías. Contrary to what fans believe on Twitter -- the legal gatekeepers who know nothing about the justice system! -- Urías is still far from out of the woods, though.

Next up will be a decision from the City Attorney's Office on whether or not to file misdeameanor charges. After that? Potentially settling with the alleged victim in a civil case. During/after that? MLB's independent investigation.

Urías not facing felony charges (or even possible misdemeanor charges) does not exonerate him. Being found not guilty is not the same as being found innocent. He could still be held accountable in a different manner.

And when it comes to MLB, the league has shown a willingness to discipline players regardless of the legal outcome based on their findings from the evidence. Sure, there might not be enough to convict Urías in a courtroom, but MLB might determine his alleged actions warrant punishment.

Julio Urías legal update probably changes nothing for Dodgers in free agency

That's exactly what happened to Bauer, who eventually silently settled with the alleged victim in court. His process was drawn out much longer, which gave the Dodgers more of a reason to distance themselves, but he was also under contract, so everything was a bit more difficult in terms of what could and couldn't be said.

As for Urías, especially after all the money LA spent this offseason, expect the Dodgers to remain far from any potential conversations here. And even if they were interested, they aren't allowed to act until MLB has reached a decision following its investigation.

We'd venture to say over $1 billion in spending that welcomed three new pitchers into the fold (plus a fourth in 2025 if you count Shohei Ohtani) was enough to make fans realize any reunion with Urías is very much off the table.

If there's any objection here, go ahead and take it up with MLB. Rob Manfred and Co. will be the ones keeping Urìas in limbo until they deem the timing right to arrive at a conclusion.