The Los Angeles Dodgers have been busy in recent days, bringing back corner outfielder and fan favorite Teoscar Hernández. They have also signed infielder Hyeseong Kim from the KBO and traded second baseman Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. However, there are still roster spots to fill. The Dodgers are in the market for pitching, reportedly at least one more starter and a high-leverage reliever. Not much is known about Los Angeles pursuing starting pitchers beyond Roki Sasaki, but here are four relievers that might fit the Dodgers bullpen.
Four Candidates to Help Bolster Dodgers Bullpen
Kenley Jansen
Would the Dodgers want a reunion with Kenley Jansen? The 37-year-old free agent spent 12 years in Los Angeles and has 350 saves to show for it. A master of the cutter, he left Los Angeles in 2021. He saved 56 games in the last two years with the Boston Red Sox, with a 3.44 ERA and an even lower FIP at 3.30. The probable future Hall of Famer is 53 saves away from 500 for his career. However, the Dodgers likely wouldn’t put Jansen in the designated closer’s role as they have Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech in the bullpen to end games.
Joe Kelly
Right-handed reliever Joe Kelly is also a free agent and very familiar to Los Angeles. The fan favorite and California native has had two separate stints with the Dodgers and has two World Series rings (2020, 2024). Although he didn’t participate in the Fall Classic this past season due to a shoulder injury, he has a filthy arsenal that makes him a coveted option in October when he has control. His 2024 campaign was interrupted by injuries. In limited time, Kelly had a 1-1 record, a 4.78 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 16 walks in 32 innings pitched. If things fall into place, the Dodgers may look to re-sign him.
Andrés Muñoz
The 25-year-old right-handed reliever had an impressive 2024 season. In 59 1/3 innings, Andrés Muñoz sported a 2.12 ERA with 71 strikeouts and a WHIP of 0.961. Adding Muñoz would require the Dodgers to trade from within their organization to pry him away from the Seattle Mariners. The American League West dwellers are looking for pop in their lineup and possibly some young controllable starting pitching. Would the Dodgers consider trading a Landon Knack or Justin Wrobleski and Andy Pages for the up-and-coming hurler? The Dodgers 40-man roster is still crowded, even after trading Gavin Lux, so the possibility of a trade is more than likely. Just exactly who would be the trade partner is still a mystery.
Tanner Scott
The Mets met with Tanner Scott, league sources said, so there’s at least some appetite for at least exploring the top of the reliever market (though doesn’t mean they ultimately add from there).
On the Mets’ bullpen: https://t.co/NcQplPDE7H
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) January 7, 2025
Tanner Scott is probably the most coveted reliever on the free agent market. The Dodgers are interested, as are the New York Mets, among other teams. The high-leverage closer had a 1.72 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 72 innings as he split time with the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres in the 2024 season. in the postseason for San Diego, he had a 0.00 ERA and struck out National League Most Valuable Player Shohei Ohtani three times. Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has been reluctant to throw money at relievers, but Tanner Scott may be an exception.
The 2024 World Series Champions will, without a doubt, get at least another reliever. The only question is when.
Photo Credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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