Since Andrew Friedman was hired by the Los Angeles Dodgers as president of baseball operations in October 2014, he’s joined team president and CEO Stan Kasten in stressing the importance of building for the future.
To some, it’s been interpreted as glossing over the present and the opportunity to win now. That belief was exacerbated during the offseason when Zack Greinke signed a six-year, $206.5 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Los Angeles filled out their starting rotation by signing Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda. The Dodgers also boast the No. 1 farm system, per Baseball America and other publications, and have multiple prospects on the doorstep of reaching the Majors.
Adrian Gonzalez recently expressed his confidence in the Dodgers’ front office, arguing the group will make whatever trade(s) necessary if it means improving the club’s chances of winning their first World Series since 1988.
As for his opinion on keeping an eye on the future, Clayton Kershaw said it’s a particularly difficult task for him, according to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:
“It’s hard for a player to look three years ahead. It’s so hard,” Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw said. “I’m in a one-year plan. Next year is overwhelming, let alone September of this year. I don’t even like looking ahead on the schedule. I just like knowing my next opponent.”
Kershaw went on to add he’s hopeful the Dodgers front office isn’t distracted from attempting to win a World Series this season:
“I hope they’re doing everything they can to win this year and then worry about next year next year. I know they have to look a little more ahead than say a player does. But at the end of the day, this year is the only year that matters to me now.”
Kershaw signed a seven-year, $215 million contract in January 2014. However, the deal allows him to opt out after the 2018 season when he’ll be 30 years old. Should the left-handed ace elect for free agency, Kershaw would leave $65 million over two years on the table.
Kasten’s explanation of the Dodgers’ approach is based on an arithmetic view. In planning for the future and multiple postseason appearances, he argued, the club increases their odds of winning a World Series, as opposed to squarely focusing on a single year.
