Transaction Analysis

Dodgers, Ethier Agree to Extension

by R.J. Anderson

LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Team Audit | Player Cards | Depth Chart

Re-signed OF-L Andre Ethier to a five-year deal worth $85 million with a vesting option for 2018 that could make the deal worth $100 million.

After the Dodgers re-signed Matt Kemp and sold to a new ownership group, there were murmurs linking them to Josh Hamilton. The rumor made sense because Hamilton could replace the departing Ethier physically and financially. Ned Colletti put an end to at least one part of those scenarios today.

Ethier is a better hitter than you think he is. His True Average since 2009 sits at .301, placing him amongst bat-only stars like David Ortiz and Ryan Howard. Limit the comparisons to corner outfielders and names like Giancarlo Stanton, Matt Joyce, Nick Swisher, and Nelson Cruz enter the picture. Not only does Ethier hit well, but he hits consistently. His TAv has never slipped below .275 and has topped .290 in each of the past four seasons with a fifth season in range. Add in that Ethier is durable (having one disabled list trip in his big-league career) and there’s a lot to like here.

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