MLB Rumors: Dodgers Hope To Lock Up Star Pitcher Before Free Agency

The Los Angeles Dodgers were uncharacteristically frugal this offseason, preferring to wait things out this time around. While a run at impending free agent Shohei Ohtani is expected to be the payoff, they have some other business at hand as well.

As reported by MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the Dodgers "will try to lock up star pitcher Julio Urias" who can become a free agent after the season.

Andrew Friedman on Julio Urias’ contract: “We think Julio loves being a Dodger, and I know we love having Julio as a Dodger.”

— Blake (@ByBlakeWilliams) March 3, 2023

“I think Julio loves being a Dodger, and I know we love having Julio as a Dodger,” team baseball president Andrew Friedman said.

Urias, 26, is finished his arbitration years, and is playing this season on a 1-year, $14.25M contract. 

He's become the ace of the Dodgers' staff—certainly with Walker Buehler out of the mix for most of, if not all of the 2023 season.

Urias is going into his 8th season, and sports an incredible 2.83 career ERA, along with a 1.09 WHIP, and a 49-17 record. In 2022, he posted a 2.16 ERA, a league-leading 194 ERA+ (94% better than average), with a 166:41 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

As noted by Heyman, it's a good thing the Dodgers saved up some cash this winter, knocking $40M off their payroll. They'll need it for any impending extension for Urias. 

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports