December 10th, 2016 at 1:30 pm 
by Ron Cervenka On Friday, it was reported that 2016 NL West Division-clinching hero Charlie Culberson had been given a one-year, non-arbitration-eligible contract extension, was promptly designated for assignment and sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Culberson appeared in 34 games with the Dodgers in 2016, none bigger than on September 25, 2016 when he hit a dramatic 10th-inning, two-out, walk-off solo home run to give the Dodgers their fourth consecutive NL West title in the final home broadcast of Vin Scully’s historic 67-year career, thereby forever connecting him with the Hall of Fame broadcaster and etching his name into Dodgers immortality.
Culberson’s improbable division-clinching 10th-inning walk-off solo home run is something that Dodger fans will never forget. (Photo credit: Ron Cervenka – Click on image to view video)
Although it may seem a bit harsh that the Dodgers would re-sign and then immediately outright the 27-year-old Rome, Georgia native, they did so presumably to open up a spot on their completely-full 40-man roster, which certainly suggests that something is up on the heels of the just-concluded 2016 MLB Winter Meetings. This presumption is based on the fact that the Dodgers are still in need of an everyday third baseman (say … like … Justin Turner) and also a new closer, with Kenley Jansen likely headed to Miami for what is rumored to be the largest contract in MLB history for a reliever. Having an open spot on the 40-man roster makes such an acquisition happen more quickly (and smoother) than if the team has to do some last minute roster shuffling.
In addition to his dramatic September 25 home run – his first as a Dodger and sixth of his MLB career since being selected by the San Francisco Giants in the first found of the 2007 MLB First-Year Player Draft – Culberson posted a slash-line of .299 (20-for-67) / .309 / .388 for an OPS of .697. The popular fan-favorite also slugged three doubles and drove in seven runs, not to mention swiping a bag during his 34 games with the big club.
With more than two months remaining until position players are scheduled to report for spring training (on February 20, 2017), and with the Hot Stove season just barely underway, it is way too early to predict whether or not Culberson will be on the Dodgers 40-man or even their 25-man roster when the first pitch of the 2017 season is thrown on Monday afternoon, April 3 at Dodger Stadium.
Is #ITFDB yet?
Posted in 
Maybe I am waaaaay too hopeful, but I would like to surmise that by DFA’ing an IF, that one will be added (JT?). I am also hopeful that Charlie will not declare FA and remain with LA. Yesterday the Padres signed Logan Bawcom. I thought that he could be a possible bullpen member.
Ummm… I’m guessing that you missed the part about him signing a one-year / non-arbitration-eligible contract extension before being DFA’d and outrighted to OKC. He is not a FA.
Yes I did miss that. I guess at my age I do not remember everything I read.
Read what? ?
I am not 100% sure but I think if Culberson rejected being outrighted he would become a free agent.
He would void his $550 contract with such a rejection. I don’t think he would risk the sure thing and void his contract.
I don’t think he would have agreed to (or signed) a contract extension if he was considering free agency, Harold.
Although it was never mentioned, there is nothing to even remotely suggest that this was not an agreed upon deal by everyone involved.
I agree that both sides had foreknowledge of what would happen. I was just pointing out he did have another option as he could refuse being outrighted for a second time.
However, Culberson could have elected free agency rather than the outright assignment since this was his second outright assignment. Of course he would then be walking away from a guaranteed $550K for the “hope” of the same, or better, deal from another MLB team. I expect Culberson, Chris Taylor, and Kike Hernandez to compete for one bench spot on the 25 man roster if not traded.
I cannot believe that Logan Bawcom was not signed by the Dodgers.Ten of his last 13 appearances were as a starter and on the season in twelve starts he posted a 1.62 ERA.
Who can they sign who is more serviceable than Bawcom?
Bawcom, as a minor league free agent, may have liked his chances of getting to the majors with another team without as many top flight RH pitching prospects as the Dodgers have in the organization.
Good point and most likely correct. I expect if the Dodgers valued him enough they could have upped the ante for him.
They obviously don’t value him as much as I do.
I often have that exact same problem, Harold. Why won’t they listen to us???
Beats me.
It’s like being married or something.
Just think how much easier their decisions would be if they’d just check here first.
Right?
Most likely would have won a WS or two by checking in with us.
Man, we’re sure getting enough time to prepare ourselves to get ready to say good bye to Kenley Jansen.
I heard he got married this past week. That could account for the delay.
The only other likely reason is there’s a competitive offer. We all know how secretive Friedman can be.