The Dodgers spent more by far, but many were their own players, so maybe some don't count them.
Even though we technically spent more in dollars in 2017, we offset that by losing significant dollars from guaranteed contracts and have a ton more coming off over the next 12-24 months. Plus, of all the spending, the only spending that crosses 2017 is Chapman's. Add in that Chapman got an $8 mil raise over what he was paid last yr and it really doesn't seem like much.
I agree that I think Tanaka will opt out, but I also would be interested to see how his market is affected by his lack of a 200IP season and the recovery of his elbow. While he will have suitors, I doubt he has suitors to the degree that Darvish will. He has proven he can pitch in NY and I anticipate NY will do what it can to re-sign him.
The dodgers are in a different world right now. NY seems to understand they are in a bridge year yet have the talent to be really good if everyone hits their potential. After 2017, we see a nice FA market. After 2018, we see an insane market. By 2019, the cap surpasses $200 million and by next year, we should be under it. Re-setting the cap will allow us to spend into absurdity as right now, we would be eligible for a 50-90% tax on overages as repeat offenders.
Hal sucks
Batences loses arbitration, makes $3M. He asked for $5M originally.
While the class of FA's post 2018 is legendary, the class post 2017 is no slouch. Notable names are..
Eric Hosmer 1B
Mike Moustakas 3B
Yadier Molina C
Carlos Santana 1B
JD Martinez OF
Lorenzo Cain CF
Carlos Gonzalez RF
Andre Ethier RF
Jay Bruce RF
Jake Arrieta SP
Johnny Cueto SP (he can opt out)
Yu Darvish SP
Masahiro Tanaka SP
Wade Davis CL
There are plenty more lower tier pitchers, but Arrieta, Darvish, Cueto and Tanaka make for an intriguing top of the rotation conversation for sure. With a cap of $197 mil for 2017, it is hard to believe they'd stay under, especially since they are already at $194,669,999. I expect more players to trigger clauses or make the team who bring that up nominally and probably slightly exceed.
Let's assume we extend Tanaka at his current rate. This leaves us with $120 mil committed with a cap of $197. We'd have to replace the production of CC, Clippard and Pineda on the pitching side. On the offensive side, Carter and Holliday will be the only ones who's contracts expire. Best case scenario is that some of our pitchers step up and we would need to sign only two starters and no relievers. I honestly think we wouldn't need Clippard come 2018. Even if we nab Darvish and Arrieta, we'd still have another $20 is million before we hit the cap. The likelihood that we'd land both is low, but the possibility of having Tanaka and Darvish atop our rotation I think is pretty good.
Hal sucks
What is the situation with Otani? The new rules says something about not offering a contract over $3M???
Levine is a moron. You think he asked for too much, fine...but what good can come of ripping one of your players publicly like that AFTER the arbitrator ruled in your favor?