The Giants will open up their 2020 season against the NL West rival Dodgers. The nationally televised event will have plenty of storylines to discuss, and the Dodgers likely will have a new, expensive face in the rotation.
MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported the Dodgers are looking at three of the top names in free agency, including two headlining pitchers.
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Gerrit Cole is the biggest name in free agency, so one would assume he and Scott Boras have been approached by the Dodgers -- a team that's known for having deep pockets.
But perhaps things are changing ...
It's no secret the 29-year-old ideally would like to end up on the west coast, and across the last two seasons alone he has made a strong case for every team to perk their ears.
His 2019 campaign alone was sensational, as he led the majors with 326 strikeouts and the AL with a 2.50 ERA and a 2.64 FIP. He was also right behind former Astros teammate Justin Verlander in AL Cy Young Award votes, earning his third All-Star selection and was some MVP considerations.
San Francisco Giants
With that said ... the Dodgers are just one of many suitors interested in the righty. The Rangers, Phillies, Angels, Nationals and, of course, the Yankees, have been linked to Cole.
As far as Strasburg is concerned, Giants might face him -- but in a Nationals uniform. He reportedly could re-sign with his former team.
For Rendon, that's an intriguing thought. He rejected the Nationals' qualifying offer earlier this month and young Carter Kieboom, who dominated in Triple-A Fresno in 2019, could take over at third base if Rendon were to go elsewhere.
The Dodgers already have Justin Turner playing third base, but he has expressed willingness to change positions in order to land Rendon or even Josh Donaldson, who also has been linked to the Dodgers.
Rendon had a stellar 2019, posting a .319/.412/.598 line with 34 homers and 126 RBI.
[RELATED: Would Cole be right fit for Giants?]
All three of the above are Boras clients, which means the Dodgers' intended frugality is not something Boras would like.
The Dodgers have a shot, but they'll have to stretch their wallets.