The Dodgers, who never seem to run out of money, reeled in another big fish Wednesday night, bringing Freddie Freeman home to Southern California by signing the Orange County native to a monster six-year, $162-million contract. Many, including ESPN’s Jeff Passan, have wondered aloud if the Dodgers’ Opening Day lineup is the best we’ve ever seen, featuring eight All-Stars, three former MVPs, four Gold Glove recipients and two batting champs. Even after losing three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and former World Series MVP Corey Seager in free agency, the Dodgers, who boast the league’s third-highest payroll ($231.46 million) behind only the two New York teams, remain potent as ever, with DraftKings Sportsbook setting their over/under for wins at 96.5.
Trea Turner, the National League leader in both steals and batting average last season, compared the Dodgers’ dominant starting nine to the “Monstars,” a reference to the animated comedy Space Jam starring Michael Jordan, Bugs Bunny and the rest of the “Tune Squad.” Those familiar with Space Jam remember the Monstars—the film’s antagonists—as an unstoppable team of aliens, armed with herculean muscles and super-human leaping ability.
Turner may have stumbled upon a new nickname for the Dodgers, who, at least on paper, boast one of the strongest MLB rosters in recent memory. Of course, money doesn’t buy championships. If it did, the Dodgers would have a lot more hardware. For all their spending, the Dodgers have just one World Series to show for it this century, with their lone title coming during the COVID-abbreviated 2020 season.
The Dodgers saw their run of division titles end last season, finishing second to San Francisco in the NL West. L.A.’s postseason run would ultimately end in the NLCS with Freeman’s former team, the Braves, eliminating the Dodgers in six games.
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram