The Dodgers are next in MLBTR’s 2013 Contract Issues series:
Eligible For Free Agency (5)
- Andre Ethier - The Dodgers would like to sign Ethier long-term, but it might require a $100MM commitment.
- James Loney - Loney doesn't hit much relative to other first basemen, so the Dodgers may let him walk in an attempt to improve their offense.
- Adam Kennedy - The 36-year-old will have to provide some offense to go along with his defensive versatility.
- Jamey Wright - Teams always need middle relievers, though Wright turns 38 this offseason.
- Bobby Abreu - Five games into Abreu's Dodgers career it's too early to know if he'll return in 2013.
Contract Options (3)
- Juan Rivera: $4MM club option with a $500K buyout. The Dodgers don't seem to trust Rivera against right-handed pitching, and given his struggles their hesitation is justified. $4MM is expensive for a platoon bat with little defensive value.
- Todd Coffey: $2.5MM club option with a $300K buyout. Coffey spent much of April on the disabled list, but he could earn a place in the Dodgers' 2013 'pen with a strong finish.
- Matt Treanor: $950K club option with a $150K buyout. The Dodgers may prefer to make Tim Federowicz their backup and save a little money.
Arbitration Eligible (2)
- First time: Blake Hawksworth, A.J. Ellis
Recently hired director of baseball contracts Alex Tamin will likely be up against one of the smallest arbitration classes in the game next offseason. Two players are eligible for the first time and that's it.
2013 Payroll Obligation
The Dodgers have a $105MM payroll this year, and they've already committed $103MM to next year's team, not including arbitration eligible players. It's a good thing new ownership expects payroll to rise, because the Dodgers are getting expensive.