The DFA for Brasier was somewhat a surprise. Ryan was the odd man out in the bullpen, so being moved to another team was logical. It was the DFA, and not a trade, that came as a surprise. It could be that the Dodgers were unwilling to trade Brasier until they learned of Kirby Yates’ physical. I do not think they will have a problem trading him, even with his $4.5MM contract. His cutter, which the Dodgers helped to develop after his release from Boston, is a huge pitch, and he will do well in relief this year…for someone other than LAD.
Apparently the Dodgers still want to see if they can resurrect Michael Grove, who was a clear DFA possibility. He will apparently look to harness all that positivity back in OKC to start the season (unless moved before then).
The Dodgers are unapologetically building a bullpen that should overtake the Guardians as the best in MLB. The Dodgers have five pitchers who could close: Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, and Michael Kopech. The Dodgers even used Alex Vesia and Anthony Banda in high leverage situations last year. Every one of the projected LAD relievers had at least one save. The highest ERA for Dodger projected relievers was Evan Phillips at 3.62.
Tanner Scott (LHRP) is seen as the key bullpen acquisition, but Kirby Yates actually had a better season. Tanner Scott pitched in 72 games and 72.0 IP. He compiled a 1.75 ERA with a 2.92 FIP, and a 1.125 WHIP. He had 10.5 K/9 and a 2.33 K/BB. Scott had 22 saves with only 2 blown saves. Those save numbers have to be diminished due to pitching the first 4 months for Miami. For San Diego, Scott was used more as a setup guy for closer Robert Suarez. Coming in with inherited runners, he was automatic. In 19 inherited runners, 0 scored. The one negative for Scott is his control. His BB/9 last year was 12.2. After a BB/9 rate with Miami of 14.8, he improved greatly with San Diego with a 8.0 BB/9. While Ruben Niebla (San Diego’s pitching coach) is very good, I am surmising that the Dodger pitching gurus can reel that walk rate even more.
Kirby Yates (RHRP) was outstanding for Texas all year. He appeared in 61 games and 61.2 IP. He had a 1.17 ERA, 2.50 FIP, and a 0.827 WHIP. He compiled a 12.4 K/9 and a 3.04 K/BB. Yates had 33 saves and just a single blown save. His inherited runner metric was 4 out of 19 or 21%. That number should be tempered as 3 runners scored in one game.
I figure that both Scott and Yates will be the primary “closers” for LAD. Scott is LHRP and Yates is RHRP. Because LAD uses a more closer by committee approach, I am guessing that Doc will see who is coming up in the 8th to determine who pitches that inning.
Evan Phillips (RHRP) was the previous primary closer. He was not nearly as dominating as he has been since 2022. Phillips was off to a brilliant start when he was placed on the IL on May 5 – May 31 due to a hamstring injury. At the time, Phillips pitched in 14 games with 13.2 IP. His ERA was 0.66 with a FIP of 1.56. His slash line was .196/.255/.216/.470, so, yes, he was dominant up until that point. In his second game back, he gave up a 2 out, 8th inning, 3 run HR to Oneil Cruz. For the rest of June, Phillips pitched in 10 games, 9.0 IP, and allowed 1 run.
Evan seemed to crash and burn in July. In 10 games and 7.2 IP, his ERA was an astronomical 11.74, and his FIP was also ugly at 8.78. His slash line was .378/.425/.757/1.182. He allowed 4 HRs to the 40 batters he faced.
Evan returned to his normal dependable self in August. In 25 games, 22.1 IP, he compiled a 2.82 ERA, 2.18 FIP, and a slash line of .200/.258/.300/.558. He had 28 K vs 6 BB. This includes one horrendous relief appearance in September against Atlanta where he allowed 5 runs (all earned) in 0.1 IP. Otherwise he allowed 2 ER in 22.0 IP.
Something clicked for Michael Kopech (RHRP) once the Dodgers acquired him from CWS. 2024 was his first full season as a reliever since 2021 when he returned after not pitching for 2 years. As a Dodger, in 24 games he accumulated 24.0 IP, and compiled a 1.13 ERA, 2.54 FIP, and 0.792 WHIP. With the Dodgers, Kopech had 6 saves and 8 holds, with 0 blown saves. Kopech inherited 3 runners and none scored. His slash line was .118/.216/.197/.413, allowing only 1 HR. He allowed 1 run in 3 of the 24 games. Michael Kopech was one of the Dodgers most reliable pitchers.
Alex Vesia (LHRP) has been as dependable pitcher as the Dodgers have had since they acquired him in a trade with Miami (along with Kyle Hurt) for RHRP Dylan Floro. Vesia had a rough 2023, but the other three years he has been excellent. His best year was 2024. Alex appeared in 67 games with 66.1 IP. His ERA was 1.76, his FIP was 3.45, and his WHIP was 0.995. Vesia is a big strikeout pitcher with 11.8 K/9, and a 2.64 K/BB. Vesia is primarily a LH setup guy. His slash line was an excellent .148/.260/.252/.551. Although he did have 5 saves, 3 blown saves, and 13 hold. Vesia is usually the pitcher who comes in with runners on. He inherited 32 runners and 8 scored (25%), with 3 coming in 1 game.
Anthony Banda is the third LHRP for the projected LAD bullpen. Banda is another of the scrapheap pitchers that the Dodgers somehow turn around to be not just good, but very good. At 30, Banda had his best season. In 48 games, 49.2 IP, Banda compiled a 3.08 ERA, 3.67 FIP, 1.248 WHIP. Not as much of a strikeout pitcher as the other LAD relievers, but his 9.1 K/9 is respectable. Banda had 2 saves, 2 blown saves and 9 holds. Banda credits the LAD coaches with the change in his slider to become one of the most unhittable sliders in the game has unlocked everything else. Among pitchers who have thrown at least 200 sliders this season, only three — Josh Hader, Andrew Chafin and Michel Otañez — have gotten a higher rate of swings-and-misses on a pitch that Banda didn’t even throw before landing in Los Angeles. to become a big time pitch.
If the Dodgers roll out a 6-man rotation in March/April, I suspect Dustin May will get that opportunity. May has no options, while Bobby Miller, Justin Wrobleski, Landon Knack, and Ben Casparius all have remaining options. Once Shohei Ohtani joins the rotation in May, I suspect either May or Gonsolin will join the bullpen, and will be more the capable of dominating in high leverage situations.
Brusdar Graterol will rejoin the team some time after the trade deadline. There will undoubtedly be injuries at that point. But the current bullpen is certainly going to block Edgardo Henriquez and Jack Dreyer.
The Dodgers have 9 MiLB relievers invited to ST.
- Giovanny Gallegos (R) – Free agent (Min)
- Joe Jacques (L) – Free agent (AZ)
- Jose E. Hernandez (L) – Purchased (PIT)
- Julian Fernandez (R) – Free agent (Indy League)
- Matt Sauer (R) – Free Agent (NYY)
- Jack Little (R) – Drafted
- Sam Carlson (R) – Free Agent (MIL)
- Jose Rodriguez (R) – Drafted
What does this do to the 4 relievers also slated for AAA being LAD draft picks?
- Antonio Knowles (R)
- Alec Gamboa (L)
- Ryan Sublette (R)
- Ben Harris (L)
Are the Dodgers done? There is a lot of smoke that the Dodgers are interested in another LHRP, Tim Hill, who was excellent once he was traded to NYY. I do not expect AF/BG to sign Hill, but at this point, I have no clue what they are planning.
The Dodgers had an outstanding bullpen in 2024 and went a long way to bring the Dodgers a World Championship. 2025 figures to be even better, and more LHRP will certainly come in handy for the playoffs to marginalize LH sluggers the Dodgers could face in the playoffs:
- Juan Soto
- Bryce Harper
- Kyle Schwarber
- Max Kepler
- Matt Olson
- Corbin Carroll
- Josh Naylor
- Kyle Tucker
- Christian Yelich
There are several other strong LH hitters that the Dodgers could face in the playoffs.
Pitching is always subject to injury, but the Dodgers depth is more than enough to offset that risk.
So many arms, so few openings
Wow! Can’t wait!
On paper it looks like a very dominant season awaits us. However in other season’s that we wrapped up early, we got our ass kicked in the first round. This last season we had a fight to the end of the season and shazaam, we win a WS. So how do the Dodgers manage to keep that winning edge if we have wrapped up the season in May (that’s sarcasm Bear). Seriously, how can the Dodgers dominate and yet keep that edge thru the end of the WS? That will be the biggest issue they face, it appears at least on paper.
Get well and do what the Docs tell you to do, Bear (that was not sarcasm Bear)
Arizona could give the Dodgers a run this year like the Puds did last year.
The D-Backs starting 5 project as Burnes, Gallen, Kelly, Phaadt and Rodriguez. Burnes is obviously the ace, Kelly and Gallen are good pitchers, but except for a playoffs in 23, LA owns both of those guys in the regular season. Kelly was the starter when Shohei, Mookie and Freddie took him deep in the first inning. Their starters are good, but ours are better. And we have a much deeper pen this year than they do.
Doc’s no longer in charge. All up to the physical therapist now. When I can walk a little better, that is when I am outa here.
Talking about the Dodgers with your first two sentences right?
Nope, I am in the hands of the physical therapist. I have no contact with Ortho or the doctors in infectious diseases like I did when I first was admitted. Not talking about Roberts.
Could Miller become an obvious trade piece? Same could be said of May. And Jeff, you forgot the return of Kershaw around mid-season. I think the pen is loaded, but there will always be injury’s. Hopefully the pen is not hit too hard.
Need Miller to build his trade back up first. He was looking like TOR guy that first year. Now he’s chopped liver, not even considered despite the entire rotation falling apart last postseason.
In my mind I did not forget Kershaw. I just figured by the time he does return, there will be at least 1 SP injury, and Kershaw will replace that pitcher’s replacement. I also figure that Sheehan will join OKC once he is able to pitch, and probably stay their the rest of 2025.
Brasier’s performance in this postseason is probably why he was considered expendable. In 9 innings of postseason pitching, he gave up 4 homers. During the season he gave up only 3.
Good point.
I expect the Dodgers to deal Brasier to an AL team for a low-level “lottery ticket” prospect. Brasier could be a great pick-up for a lot of teams.
My hope is that the brass is more creative and creates a package–Brasier + ?? + ??–that could snare somebody who can help in the near future. That said, the Dodgers’ roster is so strong right now it’s hard to identify plausible upgrades who are not named Luis Robert Jr.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of solid free agents looking for work–but only Kike is uniquely fit for the Dodgers. As others have suggested, the Dodgers might have to move Taylor or Rojas to make room for Kike. (The Dodgers didn’t sign Kim to stick him in OKC.)
It’s been suggested that the Dodgers should trade Outman and/or Pages. Unless the return is impressive, I think that would be a mistake at this point. Spring training will be important, especially for Outman.
When I mention “plausible upgrades,” Outman is certainly plausible in CF. His ’23 performance as a rookie (.790 OPS, .350 OBP) far exceeds Edman’s career averages (.726, .317). If Outman can win a platoon role, it would unlock Edman’s UT value.
Wonderful summary of our bullpen and yes, indeed we are overwhelmingly talented. With Shohei joining the rotation, I’m betting Dustin May goes to the bullpen… But what happens when Clayton is ready to pitch ? Would it be safe to assume that most probably someone will be dealt or released ? We are sooooo blessed to have as many big time arms on our team. Just think of our injured and waiting til next year crowd of starting pitchers : Stone, Ryan and Hurt. Plus healthy and already some MLB success : Miller, Sheehan, Knack, Wrobleski etc. All very capable and itching to make their mark…Even though we have 5 top.notch starters signed for at least 5 plus years…A true embarrassment of riches.
Doc said today that Ohtani should be on the mound by May.
Dodgers rubbing it in the Padres noses a little. When SD comes to Dodger Stadium on the 15th of June, fans at the game will receive a replica World Series trophy. The next night, June 16th, the fans will receive a Blake Snell bobblehead. Ohtani is scheduled to have four bobbleheads next year. Has to be a record. One for his MVP, one for his 50 homers, one for his 50 stolen bases and one just for the hell of it. Edman and Teo also get bobbleheads as does Joe Davis. Ron Cey will be inducted into the Legends of Dodger baseball on the 18th of July. Sasaki, Glasnow and Fernando also getting honored with bobbleheads. Oh yeah, Ice Cube, and Koby Bryant will also be honored with bobbles.
One for Shohei’s return to the mound?
If Ice Cube is worthy of a bobblehead, how about Randy Newman???
They’ll be playing his anthem a lot this season.
Should have given Randy one a long time ago.
Don’t over-indulge on those pain meds, Bear, they make you sound crazy.
News flash, I haven’t been on pain meds for about 2 weeks. There is no pain in my ankle anymore. I am just reporting what I read. Also, I think there are many Dodgers who have not had bobbles that deserve one. Gilliam for one. How about a bobble for each ROY that has not been honored with one. Six-time gold glove Wes Parker deserves one too. And how about one for Boomer.
Andrew says he hates to make trades in July because everything/everyone is overpriced. Well, what if you’re the seller instead of the buyer? That means you’re able to overcharge. If our guys stay reasonably healthy AF might have a few pitchers he could sell and get back really good prospects in return.
We’ve been discussing how a lot of the younger Dodger pitchers are going to be blocked because the rotation is pretty much set for quite a while. Since we always say Andrew plays chess while everyone else plays checkers, he’s probably already calculating some contending teams who might be short on pitching come July and have strong farm systems.
So, although we may not see many new faces on the major league roster come the deadline, it still may prove to be an interesting time.
Sellers indeed.
I mean they were sellers for the last two years, and this year’s backlog is even worse. Almost by magnitudes.
Edgardo Henriquez, Jack Dreyer in the pen. Miller, Knack, Casparius and Wrobo-cop as starters and Ryan, Hurt, Sheehan, Frasso, Stone coming back (well, maybe not Stone.)
Beyond that there’s a burgeoning group including: Gamboa, Duran, Karros, and Ferris.
Then even below that a group (Knowles, Kopp, Rosario, Little, Hernandez, Harris, Boyer, Wepf, or Campos) who are buried here but probably would be sniffing professional debuts in most other orgs.
There has to be moves.
This is just one reason the Yates signing just doesn’t sit well.
The Yates signing, at least so far, is for one year only. His past success means he’s far more likely to contribute to another WS victory than any of the names you’ve mentioned……………..in 2025. Beyond that is another story.
As far as names we might trade to a contender at the deadline, it would need to be someone who could contribute at the MLB level in 2025. That might mean any of Miller, Knack, Casparius or Wrobo. Or May or Gonsolin under the right set of circumstances.
Depending on how things play out, it could also mean Barnes, Rojas, CT3, Outman, Conforto or Pages (probably least likely).
I’ll leave it to Andrew, Gomes and friends to sort it all out at the appropriate time.
You have made this statement twice now, and maybe you and I have a different interpretation for sellers and buyers.
2023 Deadline Trades:
Summary – Dodgers acquire 5 MLB players and cash, for 8 MiLB players, one MLB pitcher not wanted, 1 OF on 60 day IL, and two DFA relief pitchers.
2024 Deadline Trades:
Summary – Dodgers acquire 5 MLB players, cash, and one non-descript 17 year old prospect, for one MLB SP (DFA), one MLB RP (DFA), one MLB infielder with no position, 5 MiLB players.
Please advise as to where you believe the Dodgers were sellers.
Now I’m confused. Aren’t all trades require teams to be both buyers and sellers unless it is cash only purchases?
I think a buyer could be defined as a team desperate to fill a hole in order to get into the playoffs and advance. A seller would be a team that has a valuable player but no chance to make the playoffs.
My interpretation is that it is a contender trading for a MLB player from a non-contending team for prospects. That is why I asked for Bluto’s interpretation as he said the Dodgers were sellers the last two years.
Brasier did not have any Minor League options remaining, which presumably was a factor behind the Dodgers’ decision to let him go.
I would guess it was the primary factor, especially versus Grove.
The lack or paucity of options is an interesting thing to watch.
After reading everything…Are the Dodgers the only team trying to win the west next year?
D’backs in the best shape with Burnes aboard. The Padres and Giants are each struggling–and it’s reported that the Padres may trade Cease. The Rockies are still the Rockies.
The Dodgers should win the West handily. The other teams are playing for a playoff spot
And any team has a chance in a short series.
As strong as the Dodgers are, the odds for winning the WS favor “the field.”
Agree that the Dbacks will be competitive. Along with LAD, Arizona arguably had the best offense in MLB and scored the most runs in MLB – 44 more than LAD. Arizona lost Christian Walker and replaced him with Josh Naylor. Big difference defensively, but not a lot of difference offensively. The other big difference is that Naylor is 6 years younger than Walker.
The other offensive loss will be harder to offset. Arizona lost Joc Pederson and Randal Grichuk and are replacing them with Pavin Smith. Jock and Randal will be difficult to replace, but Smith perhaps came into his own last year. In a small sample size, Smith (158 PA), Smith had a .896 OPS and an OPS+ of 145.
OTOH, their pitching should be much better with the addition of Corbin Burnes, and a full year from 2024 injured pitchers Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez. They still have Zac Gallen and Brandon Pfaadt. Arizona could still use relieable and dependable relievers.
I predict Arizona will replace San Diego as the 2nd best team in the NL West and should get 90+ wins.
If you take away Walker’s performance against the Dodgers last season, his stats just are not that impressive. 9 of his homers and 15 of his RBIs came against LA. He hit just .217 against teams with a sub .500 winning percentage.
And yet they scored more runs than did LAD or any other team in MLB. Arizona led MLB in OBP. Arizona was second to LAD in OPS and SLG, and they were tied with San Diego with the highest BA in MLB with a .263 BA.
And they still lost the division and missed the playoffs. They finished 9 games back, maybe they needed to address their lack of good started pitching last year. D-Backs have been to the playoffs 2 times in the last 15 years. Naylor might be younger than Walker, but in 135 games against the NL he has hit only 15 homers. He has to learn a whole new league and that is not all that easy.
You don’t think the additions of Corbin Burnes and the return to health for Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez makes their pitching stronger. They will not beat the Dodgers i the NL West. But they will make the playoffs, and a rotation of Burnes, Kelly, Gallen, Pfaadt, and ERod will be formidable. The Dodgers have already been beaten in the playoffs with that group save Burnes and ERod. It happened before and it can happen again.
I wonder how all these closers will like pitching in the 5, 6 or 7 inning.
If they end up winning a ring, I doubt they care. Long men pitch earlier in the game. You won’t see Scott or Yates that early.
I understand San Diego has ownership issues, which is impacting their budget, but there is no reason the Giants aren’t doing something more than signing Adames, they used to be one of the franchise that spent money, now they are acting like a small market team.
Giant front office has missed out on several high-profile free agents. Hitters are leery of that ballpark. And their front office is in flux with Posey taking over.
Hard to believe that Bregman and Alonso are still on the market. Mets offer is about 3/70. That is a slap in the face to a guy who has done for the team what he has. Bregman is supposed to have a six year offer on the table. Flaherty is still out there too. Angels interested in him.
Which young positional player and pitcher will have the best spring and push for a spot on the roster?
Bobby Miller and James Outman
Those would be my two as well.
That makes three of us.
I wish the Mets would slap me in the face with a $70 million offer! Pete Alonso hit 240 last year with an OPS of 788. In 2023, he hit 217 with OPS of 821. While he has great HR power, he is a 30 year old 1B who is not a good fielder and can only play one position. Two comparable free agent 1B signed this offseason. Christian Walker for 3 years/$60 million. And Paul Goldschmidt for 1 year $12.5 million. Granted both are older, but reasonable 1B options who field better than Alonso. Also, Alonso turned down a 7yr/$158 million offer from the Mets in 2023. Seems like Boras and his client may have misplayed their hand.
I beg to differ about his fielding prowess. He, Freddie, Paul and Walker are all above .995 fielding pct in their careers. He made just 2 more errors than Goldy and 3 more than Freddie. Walker only made 2 all year. Walker is 3 years older and Goldy is 7 years older. Walker hit 26 homers last year. But 9 of those came against the Dodgers. he didn’t do much damage against the rest of the league, Goldy hit 22. Yeah, no doubt they misplayed their hand, but with his numbers, Alonso is worth more than the 20 mil he got last season. He should have taken the Mets offer after 23, but he, like many other players felt he was worth more. Considering the fact that the Mets basically wasted 80 mil on Verlander and Scherzer, he could have a point.
There is more to defense grading than errors. Statcast’s Outs Above Average (OAA) and Fangraph’s Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) are two of the most referenced defensive metrics. I know not everyone follows defensive metrics, but every team does, and in some degree uses some form of OAA and/or DRS.
OAA:
DRS:
Based on these metrics, Alonso is no where close defensively to the other 3, especially Walker.
I get that, but I still use the old metric of fielding percentage. What he gets to, he usually catches.
He just does not get to enough to be considered even a decent defensive 1B. Do you judge CF per the same fielding percentage metric? Pages only had 2 errors as a CF. Luis Robert Jr. also had 2 errors, does that make them equal.
Here is a glimpse as to why Roki Sasaki has been so good.
AF has said a lot of great things about pitchers he’s brought on board through the years, but I’ve never heard him as effusive about anyone as he is about Roki.
Gomes said today that the door was open for the return of Kike. In order to accomplish that, someone has to be optioned or released. The only two position players with options will be Kim and Pages. Taylor coming off of his worst season as a Dodger could be DFA’d, but LA would have to eat 15 million. Would they do that? Or would they even consider releasing Miguel Rojas? Only time will tell. Kike has garnered a lot of interest from the Yankees.
Taylor is owed $17M on his contract. Seems to me they could send Taylor and $10-12M to someone and then sign Kike for $4-6M. The money would then be a wash.
I’ve said before I believe Kike’ will be signed when camp opens and roster spots are available. Taylor can platoon with Conforto, Rojas with Kim, Muncy with Kike’. Pages to AAA. I think the Dodgers ride out Taylor’s contract as he will get 10 years service time which is beneficial for his pension. The Dodgers have a reputation of doing right by their players and I think they will take care of Taylor.
You really believe that Taylor can match Pages 13 homer total and OPS over .900 vs LHP? Taylor might hit more than 13 homers; he had 15 in 115 games in 23. But his career OPS vs lefties is .760. But I am in your camp, I think if anyone is sent down so they can keep Kike, it would be Kim.
In 9 days, 5 Dodgers could be moved to the 60 day IL opening up 5 spots on the 40 man. They could then sign Kiké and not have to DFA any player. They could then utilize Kiké and see where the roster stands when any of the 60 man IL players come back. AF/BG are expert at manipulating the roster.
I do not have any idea as to whether AF/BG are truly interested in signing Kiké.
At the Fan Fest today Andrew made it sound like he actually had an offer out to Kike and that Kike needed to decide what was best for himself and his family. I’m guessing that means he’s had at least one better offer. Maybe I’m reading more into his comments than there really is, but that’s what it sounded like to me.
There would be no problem in adding Kike to the 40-man but come opening day a decision would have to be made as to which of CT, Rojas, Kim or Pages would be removed. Kim and Pages can be optioned while the other two would have to be released or traded.
I think trading Miggy would be a lot easier (and cheaper) than trading CT3, but from hearing other players speak, Rojas really has established a position as somewhat of a coach already.
Rojas could always retire, or go on the IL.