While it is just a prediction, ESPN Insider Jeff Passan has put it on record that he believes Anthony Rendon will be a Dodger.

‘I think Anthony Rendon is going to a sign a 5-year deal for $200 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. I think he’s going to break an AAV record and I think he’s looking for a shorter term deal, even though he may be able to get more long term if he gets those 8 or 9 years,” Passan said.

The contract mentioned by Passan would be a record in terms of average annual value, with Rendon earning $40 million a year in the aforementioned deal.

Dodgers fans are naturally wary of predictions and rumors like these, due to the teams previous history in terms of being conservative with free agency and specifically long term deals.

The last time on record the Dodgers offered a mega-deal was in 2015 when they reportedly offered Zack Greinke a 5-year deal worth $155 million.

The 5-year deal with a record AAV is an interesting possibility, in that while the Dodgers would be spending a hefty amount per year on Rendon, they wouldn’t be tied to the 29-year-old 3rd baseman for 7 or 8 years.

Rendon helped lead the Nationals to their first World Series title, hitting .327 in the playoffs with 3 HR’s and 15 RBI.

During the regular season, Rendon put up an MVP caliber season, slashing .319/.412/.598 with 34 HR’s, 44 doubles and 126 RBI.

If the Dodgers did sign Rendon, that would signal a position change for Justin Turner, who would likely shift over to first base, with Max Muncy anchoring 2nd base, forcing a possible move to the outfield for rookie phenom Gavin Lux.

It’s been rumored Rendon has already turned down two contract offers worth over $200 million from the Nationals, so at this point anything is possible.

Jeff Passan is one of the most respected insiders, so his prediction definitely carries some weight, but as I mentioned earlier, it’s certainly fair for Dodgers fans to hold the ‘I’ll believe it when I see it” outlook.  Only time will tell.

Photo Credit: Getty Images