September 30th, 2019 at 8:00 am 
by 0799291000348 In just a few weeks, 30-year old left-handed starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner will become a member of the 2019-20 Major League Baseball free-agent class, and the Dodgers could be interested.
I can hear the outcry of Dodger faithful now: “NEVER! No ex-Giants on the Dodgers roster, especially the supremely arrogant, annoying, and antagonistic Bumgarner!”
But what if…
- The Giants do not extend a qualifying offer to Bumgarner,
- Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill leave,
- Julio Urias remains in the bullpen,
- Kenta Maeda moves to the bullpen permanently,
- Bumgarner will accept an incentive-laden contract, and
- Max Muncy agrees to burn all of his ‘Go Get It Out Of The Ocean’ T-shirts.
(Photo credit – Scott Strazzante)
Of course, Bumgarner might not want to be a Dodger, but it may also be enticing to pitch for a team with advanced analytics, a strong core of players, a deep and advanced farm system, a highly regarded pitching coach, a training staff dedicated to helping players maintain health, and the National League team that will more than likely be in postseason for the foreseeable future.
(Video capture courtesy of SportsNet LA)
Relax, Dodger fans. There are far more reasons why a union between the Dodgers and Bumgarner will not happen than will, most notably the money he will be demanding.
But what if…
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Posted in 
but can we still call him MadBum?
Yes … among many other things.
; )
I think we would have to come up with a new nickname.
I remember, years ago, when Magli left the Giants to join the Dodgers, but I can’t remember how I felt about it. I probably didn’t feel good about it, but I remember liking him as a Dodger.
Excellent comparison! Marichal would be another.
Jeff Kent comes to mind.
63 years ago, to be exact.
#JustSayin
Outstanding (and fun) piece, Jesse!!!
Ron, I have to believe Ryu will want to re-sign with Dodgers to be honest, and hopefully he does of course and that his agent Boras isn’t so unrealistic in asking price. But the choice belongs to Ryu…not Boras. I seriously doubt, however that Bumgarner would want to come here in the first place.
Love to have Ryu back, but I think a team like the Angels, or Padres that are desperate for experienced starting pitchers will drive up the price on Ryu. He may give the Dodgers a “hometown” discount, but a substantial difference in contract length and value will be difficult to turn down. The Giants might make a serious run at Ryu with Zaidi in charge. They would like nothing better than to take away a Dodgers asset while improving their own team.
“Boras isn’t so unrealistic in asking price”
LMAO
Is it a possibility that Maeda’s contract csn be reworked so he gets paid what he’s worth and pitches out of the bullpen? Is there a legal reason(league or players union) that eould prohibit it or Maeda himself wanting to be a starter?
Possible? Yes. There is nothing in the CBA the would prevent Dodgers and Maeda from entering into a new agreement. The larger issue may be Maeda not wanting to be a full time reliever. One reason why I think the Dodgers may try to trade him in the off season.
Dodgers will not sign Bumgarner!!!
Ryu may be a tough re sign if Boras becomes his usual complication. Hes going to want 5 yrs and 150 mil like Corbin got.
If we win the world series Dodgers may be willing to enter the offseason with
CK Buehler May Gonsolin Maeda Stripling and J Urias as potential starters.
Hill could be re signed at 5 mil incentive laden deal???
Dodgers would still be strong favorites to win again and could add if needed at the trade deadline.
In the mean time payroll drops to 125-130 mil range which gives us money to sign both Seager and Belly Bomb long term.
Works for me.
Buehler and May are the key to the Dodgers (near) future.
The season is not even over yet and you start spreading undocumented rumors. Are you that weak of a writer that you can’t find something more interesting to write about? Like will the Dodgers finally win a WS?
Sorry that you were so disappointed in a piece that was meant to be light-hearted, with a dash of sarcasm thrown-in. I seriously doubt that anyone, other than you, considered this to be a rumor as the chance of Bumgarner signing a free agent deal with the Dodgers is infinitesimally small. For example, there is no way that the Giants will not issue a qualifying offer. Have a great day, and try to lighten-up.
Some folks are simply clueless, Jesse. Your sarcasm and humor were quite obvious.
The NLCS hasn’t even started yet and you already have the Dodgers winning the WS. Are you that weak of a reader that you can’t see the very obvious sarcasm and humor in the piece?