Los Angeles is one of the most popular cities in the entire world. People come from all over to take in the activities and the weather. It's the City of Angels, but there are some who don't appreciate it for what it is.
You can now add Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola to that list. The former free agent reportedly met with the Dodgers before he signed back with Philadelphia, but his dislike of the city made him hesitant to sign with the team.
“The Dodgers did have dialogue with the Phillies starter, but my understanding was he did not like the city of Los Angeles.”
The Dodgers went aggressive after Nola, giving him an offer close to what he signed with the Phillies for, but it wasn't meant to be. It was reported that he never wanted to leave Philadelphia, so he may have been using LA to get the offers up.
It was always a long shot to land Nola, but the Dodgers at least tried. He would have been a great get for them, especially due to his proven postseason success in his career.
This past playoff run for the Phillies, he saw his ERA dip from 4.46 in the regular season to 2.35 in the playoffs. He never shies away from the bright lights, and that is something the Dodgers could have used.
Los Angeles isn't for everyone, but he can expect to get some boos when the Phillies come to town next season. LA fans always remember the little things like this and it will be all in good fun.
Now the Dodgers will pivot to other free-agent pitchers this offseason, and some make more sense for them than Nola ever did. LA wants guys who want to be here, so they may have dodged a bullet with this one.
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