President of Baseball Operations, Los Angeles Dodgers
In charge of the team’s blueprint since 2014, the 45-year-old Friedman navigated around an MLB offseason mired in a labor lockout and made some impactful roster moves. After securing Cy Young pitcher Clayton Kershaw for at least one more year (at $17 million), Friedman scooped up free agent All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman (six years, $162 million) and traded for closer Craig Kimbrel, all while allowing All Star shortstop Corey Seager and closer Kenley Jansen to leave via free agency. During the 2021 playoff run, Friedman also pulled off a staggering trade, releasing some prized prospects for Cy Young pitcher Max Scherzer and eventual NL batting champion Trea Turner.
YEARS ON THE LA500: 6