Dodgers Digest Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Blog
There’s actually quite a bit of news stuffed into here, as none of it is impactful enough to get its own post given how the roster is constructed … or at least that’s what I’m telling myself as an excuse to be lazy.
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Starting off with the news that impacts the big-league roster, the Kirby Yates signing is finally final, with the contract being finalized at one-year, $13 million with bonuses that could take it to $14 million. There’s minimal downside to this for the Dodgers, with upside that’s an elite back-end pen arm.
Unfortunately, in order to get that done, they had to designate Ryan Brasier.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with RHP Kirby Yates on a one-year contract for $13 million. The Dodgers designated RHP Ryan Brasier for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 31, 2025
He was a standout with the Dodgers after coming over following his release from the Red Sox in the middle of 2023, and he posted a 1.89 ERA and 2.83 FIP in 66.2 innings during his time with the team. However, he’s 37 now, struggled with a calf injury in 2024, and regressed a bit, including losing over a tick on his fastball. Brasier was more of a front-end option by the end of the year and was used as an opener at times in the playoffs, during which he gave up five runs (four homers) in nine innings. He’s making a modest $4.5 million, which means he still has some value, hence a trade.
In return for Brasier, the Dodgers will get a PTBNL or cash from the Cubs.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen surplus has helped the Chicago Cubs find a leverage option. The Dodgers traded veteran reliever Ryan Brasier and cash to the Cubs on Tuesday, finding a landing spot for the right-hander and some salary relief in the process. In return for Brasier, the Dodgers will receive either cash or a player to be named from the Cubs.
Given that cash is an option, I wouldn’t expect the PTBNL to be anybody significant.
Nice get for the Cubs.
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In arbitration news, the Dodgers avoided going to arbitration altogether, as they settled with Alex Vesia on $2.25 million with a $3.55 million club option for 2026 that includes a $50k buyout. In that club option year, incentives can take his salary up to $3.725 million.
Solid bit of business for Vesia, as he was projected to get ~$1.9 million, so it sure seemed like he’d face a tough go against the Dodgers in arb.
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Back on January 24, the Dodgers announced the 24 non-roster invitees to big-league camp at Spring Training.
RHP
- Sam Carlson
- Carlos Duran
- Julian Fernandez
- Giovanny Gallegos
- Justin Jarvis
- Jared Karros
- Jack Little
- Jose Rodriguez
- Roki Sasaki
- Matt Sauer
LHP
C
INF
OF
Don’t have much to say about these guys that hasn’t already been said by Eric Stephen over at True Blue LA, who has both short blurbs and contract minutiae for all of them. Besides that one foreign guy, it’s gonna be an extreme uphill battle for any of the to make the Opening Day roster, so it’s more about them going out and showcasing their stuff.
Pitchers and catchers will report on February 10 (yes, already), and the rest will be showing up on February 15, with the games starting on February 20. Remember, the Dodgers open the season early on March 18 in Japan against the Cubs.
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For those who have been concerned and asking about Clayton Kershaw‘s future with the team, Brandon Gomes has said nothing has changed and they are just waiting on him.
Kershaw was one of the players who sent a video as part of the #Dodgers' recruiting pitch to Roki Sasaki
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) January 23, 2025
As I’ve been saying, he’s currently injured, so they’re likely at least waiting for camp to start so they can stick him on the 60-day IL rather than having to force a roster spot open.
Speaking of injuries, there was some concern about Michael Kopech‘s arm, because of course.
There is no structural damage with Kopech's forearm, just inflammation, so the Dodgers plan to be cautious with him at the season's outset. https://t.co/jjV5dttyzf
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2025
Gomes downplayed it, but … well, we know how last season went with pitching injuries.
GM Brandon Gomes indicated reports of a forearm issue with Michael Kopech are overblown. Kopech was "grinding" thru October like so many other #Dodgers pitchers. Is well into his offseason throwing program. "I don’t think there’s anything of concern at this point."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) January 23, 2025
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Getting real close to baseball now.
