Dodgers Reportedly Won't Pass Set Budget on Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg or Anthony Rendon

Given their brand, the Los Angeles Dodgers are almost always players for the crown jewels of the annual free agent market. That will remain the case this winter, as LA is reportedly inquiring about the likes of Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, and Anthony Rendon, the three undisputed top dogs of this year's pool.

However, MLB insider Jon Heyman understands that Andrew Friedman and Co. won't breach their predetermined budget for any of the three superstars.

It remains to be seen how much ownership will be willing to spend, but the Dodgers can afford to sign (at least) one of them while remaining under the luxury tax. Of course, they would have to make subsequent tweaks to their roster, but signing a player of Cole's, Strasburg's, or Rendon's caliber would be well worth that headache.

A variable that might work against Los Angeles' pursuit of the three lauded free agents, however, is the fact that they are all represented by super agent Scott Boras.

As we all know, Boras values his clients to the nth degree and ensures that they are all well-compensated. He aims to strike deals for more than what a player is understood to be worth, something that can contribute directly to market slowdown.

For now, the Dodgers' interest in Cole, Strasburg, and Rendon appears genuine, so stay tuned for updates on their free agency advancements as talks are likely to heat up in the not too distant future.