NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Dodgers made a long-term offer to Korean pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin on Tuesday, but it was rejected by agent Scott Boras.
“Predictably, it fell a tad short,” said general manager Ned Colletti.
Colletti said he also texted with agent Casey Close but there was no news regarding his client, top free-agent pitcher Zack Greinke, who is the Dodgers’ No. 1 target. The Texas Rangers are believed to be the top rival for Greinke’s services and might bow out if they re-sign outfielder Josh Hamilton first.
Meanwhile for the Dodgers, the signing of Ryu would be in addition to Greinke as they attempt to load up on starting pitching at the Winter Meetings, which reached the halfway point with no moves by the club.
The Dodgers have until Sunday to sign Ryu or they lose exclusive negotiating rights and their $25.7 million posting fee is refunded.
“We’re debating our next step,” said Colletti. “I don’t believe we’re close right now.”
Meanwhile, the Dodgers remain in the mix of teams talking to the Mets about Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, who at age 38 presents plenty of fuel for internal debate. Because of his age, the Mets are finding clubs unwilling to make an overwhelming offer for essentially a rental player who will be a 39-year-old free agent after next season.
The Dodgers could package shortstop Dee Gordon, either veteran Chris Capuano or Aaron Harang, and/or top pitching prospect Zack Lee for Dickey, who could be an alternative if the Dodgers can’t land both Greinke and Ryu.
“We’re not shopping anybody,” Colletti said. “We’re listening to clubs.”
Adding Greinke and Dickey, to go with Clayton Kershaw, would give the Dodgers three Cy Young winners in the rotation.
Colletti was asked if he had spoken again to the Mets on Tuesday.
“Good question,” he said, and left it at that.
The Dodgers also remain in pursuit of free agent Anibal Sanchez, who presumably is waiting on a Greinke signing to crystallize his place in the market.
“Everybody we have interest in is in the methodical path,” said Colletti. “We’re patient.”
Colletti indicated his secondary needs — a left-handed reliever, fourth outfielder and corner infielder — are likely to be resolved after the starting pitcher. The Dodgers have made contact with free agents Nate Schierholtz and Eric Chavez and have talked to the Cardinals about acquiring utility man Skip Schumaker.
“They’ll be slower, not that this is going at a rapid pace,” he said.
Colletti agreed with comments manager Don Mattingly made earlier in the day that the club was in favor of shortstop Hanley Ramirez playing winter ball and for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, which will be held during Spring Training.
He said that having Joe Torre as manager of Team USA gave him some degree of comfort should Kershaw decide to participate in the Classic.
“Torre’s certainly a plus,” he said. “It depends how [Clayton] feels about doing it and how he feels physically.”
Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
