The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the offseason not only under expectations of improving their roster but also facing some key decisions to make in the coaching staff and front office.
Longtime pitching coach Rick Honeycutt was stepping down from the position due to lingering back issues, paving the way for the promotion of Mark Prior. He spent the previous two seasons serving as Dodgers bullpen coach, earning rave reviews from the pitching staff.
Filling his void was Josh Bard, who returned to the organization after enjoying a two-year stint with the New York Yankees as their bench coach.
Another piece of business that needed to be addressed involved Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. His contract expired at the conclusion of the 2019 season, leading to speculation that the Boston Red Sox could pursue him after parting ways with Dave Dombrowski.
The Dodgers remained hopeful of working out an extension with Friedman, which reportedly came to fruition in November. The organization opted against announcing the details of the signing.
Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten explained on MLB Network’s “High Heat” that he typically doesn’t disclose this type of information for executives while restating his confidence in Friedman’s ability to lead the front office:
“I don’t think we ever talked about whether he has a contract or doesn’t have a contract. He’s here. I can’t give you anything. I don’t discuss contracts for executives, ever. Not Schuerholz, not Rizzo. I just don’t. He’s here. You might’ve read [details about a contract extension] but I can promise you it’s not been announced. … I absolutely am comfortable with his leadership.”
Friedman was quite successful during his initial five-year contract with the Dodgers. Under his leadership the club advanced to the postseason every year, winning five National League West titles en route to back-to-back World Series appearances from 2017-18.
While a championship has eluded Friedman and the Dodgers, the organization is built for sustainable success with one of the deepest farm systems in all of baseball. He also hasn’t shied away from completing a blockbuster deal when the opportunity presents itself, acquiring the likes of Yu Darvish and Manny Machado in recent years.
Friedman remains on the lookout for elite talent this offseason, as evidenced by the Dodgers’ reported pursuits of Francisco Lindor and Mookie Betts.
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