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The Dodgers are pursuing free-agent reliever Darren O'Day "big time," according to a report from ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Los Angeles is thought to be one of the front-runners for O'Day, who is drawing significant interest from multiple teams.
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com adds the Braves to the mix for O'Day, noting that there is a belief from some around the game that Atlanta may make the best offer as the process continues. Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that the Braves are unlikely to be seriously interested in O'Day due to his rising price tag.
One source familiar with negotiations said there was "nothing to report" when asked if O'Day was close to signing earlier in the week.
As I reported this afternoon, the entire relief market appears to be stalled until O'Day signs, with multiple sources involved in the market for free-agent relievers believing that the former Oriole will be the first domino to fall. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reported earlier in the week that O'Day is looking for a 4-year deal in the $28-36 million range, meaning some interested teams will likely drop out of the bidding due to the high price tag.
The Dodgers have been one of the most aggressive teams involved with O'Day since the beginning of free agency, but the reliever has also drawn interest from the Orioles, Nationals, Tigers, Cubs, Royals, Red Sox and Mets. Boston and Detroit should probably be counted out after their respective additions of Craig Kimbrel and Francisco Rodriguez, and it would be hard to see the Mets, Royals or Cubs commit to O'Day at his current price range.
O'Day is likely to give the Orioles the chance to match any offer, but the club's desire to re-sign Chris Davis and $15.8 million commitment to Matt Wieters for next season may cause them to let O'Day walk. The Dodgers, as always, have money to spend, and may be willing to add O'Day as the first piece of their offseason puzzle. The team is reportedly close to hiring a new manager, though, meaning that the organization's attention may be focused on that for the next couple of days.