The Dodgers lost out on their targeted veteran closer when Trevor Hoffman agreed today to sign with the Milwaukee Brewers.
"He chose Milwaukee because they were very diligent and aggressive in trying to sign him," Rick Thurman, the agent for Hoffman, said in a text message today. Thurman said Hoffman "likes makeup" of the team.
The Brewers agreed to pay Hoffman $6 million this season, with another $1.5 million available in incentives. There is no option year in the agreement, according to two sources involved in the negotiations.
If Hoffman reaches all the incentives, he would match his $7.5-million salary with the San Diego Padres last season. The Padres offered Hoffman $4 million to return, then withdrew the offer in November.
With Hoffman joining the Brewers, Jonathan Broxton figures to be the Dodgers' closer, with Hong-Chih Kuo the only other returning reliever with a full season of major league experience. The Dodgers also have Cory Wade, Ramon Troncoso and Scott Elbert and reportedly have pursued veterans Juan Cruz, Guillermo Mota and Dennys Reyes
bill.shaikin@latimes.com
