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Baseball

Farhan Zaidi in Talks with Dodgers for Front Office Position

2024-12-03

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been in discussions with their former general manager, Farhan Zaidi. Zaidi, who previously served as the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants, is now a subject of interest for the Dodgers. League sources have provided insights to The Athletic on Tuesday. Currently, no deal has been reached, and the specific role Zaidi would assume within the Dodgers' front office remains unclear. However, it seems a logical fit for the former Athletics, Dodgers, and Giants executive. Zaidi had been at the helm of the Giants' baseball operations department since the end of 2018. During his tenure, he led the Giants to unseat the Dodgers' long dominance in the National League West in 2021. But in other years, the Giants failed to make the postseason or even finish above.500. He was replaced by longtime Giants catcher Buster Posey.

Zaidi's Impact on the Giants

Zaidi's vision for the Giants centered around adding a star to the center. But often, they found themselves on the outside looking in during key races. This was evident in their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who both signed with the Dodgers last winter. Despite landing star third baseman Matt Chapman and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell last offseason, the Giants still finished 80-82. Snell recently joined the Dodgers with a five-year, $182 million deal.

The Dodgers and Zaidi's Past

If Zaidi were to return to the Dodgers, he would be returning to a place where he served as general manager for four seasons under Andrew Friedman. During this time, the Dodgers won the division each season, clinched their first pennant in 29 years, and discovered breakthroughs in young talents like Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger. These players were inherited from the previous regime. Additionally, Zaidi was instrumental in the early modern player development success stories, such as the acquisitions of Max Muncy and Chris Taylor. Both players have been part of the core of two World Series champion clubs in Los Angeles.

The Future with the Dodgers

His time with the Dodgers and the Giants has made Zaidi a highly sought-after executive. Not only when he was hired by the Giants but also this winter. With the Dodgers, he would have the opportunity to reshape an organization that was already on the path to dominance. He could put forth the early steps in what Friedman has long envisioned as "the golden era of Dodger baseball." The Dodgers have a rich history and a talented roster, and Zaidi's expertise could take them to new heights.

The Challenges and Opportunities

Returning to the Dodgers comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The Dodgers are a powerhouse in the league, and maintaining their success requires continuous innovation and strategic decision-making. Zaidi's experience and leadership could be crucial in navigating these challenges. He would need to build on the existing success while also looking for ways to improve and evolve. At the same time, he would have the resources and support of a large organization to pursue his goals. The Dodgers' fan base is passionate and demanding, and Zaidi would need to meet their expectations. But with his track record and expertise, he has the potential to lead the Dodgers to even greater heights.