Ever since making his MLB debut as a 19-year-old kid in 2016, Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias was projected to be a rotation mainstay for years to come.
He had the look of a superstar: the talent, the determination, and the drive to improve.
He doesn’t speak too much off the field, but his on-field performance is very loud and it says that he belongs in the National League’s elite.
The Dodgers are the only MLB franchise Urias has known, and it’s not surprising to learn that has grown to love the city, the fans, and everything about being a Dodger.
“Julio Urías on his special relationship with the city of Los Angeles: ‘It’s always been an incredible blessing. It always feels like I’m pitching in Mexico. To follow someone like Fernando, it’s such a blessing to be here.’ Dodgers need to pay Julio,” Dodgers insider Doug McKain tweeted.
Julio Urías on his special relationship with the city of Los Angeles:
“It’s always been an incredible blessing. It always feels like I’m pitching in Mexico. To follow someone like Fernando, it’s such a blessing to be here.”
Dodgers need to pay Julio. pic.twitter.com/JHQGVG7c5h
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) February 5, 2023
Judging by his quotes, it does feel like Urias is comfortable pitching in LA, so much that he feels at home doing so.
The team is paying him $14.25 million in 2023, which will be his last season of team control remaining.
After the 2023 World Series, the southpaw will test the free agent waters…unless the Dodgers can extend him.
He is very much worth a mega-extension: he has been great for quite some time and he is still very young at 26.
His best years, quite possibly, are still ahead of him.
In 2022, he had a brilliant 2.16 ERA in 175 frames.
He helped the Dodgers win another Division title.
Will his stay in LA be extended for the foreseeable future?
Only time will tell but he has earned quite a big payday.
NEXT: MLB Analysts Reflect On Fernando Valenzuela's Legendary Career
