The Los Angeles Dodgers strategically remained below the luxury tax threshold in two consecutive seasons, and with that were expected to be aggressive in free agency this winter. They were linked to Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg, who represented the top of the class.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman assured he had approval from ownership to spend however he saw fit in order to improve the club. Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers were more earnest in their pursuit of free agents this year when compared to previous cases.
Yet in the in the end it didn’t make a difference.