The Dodgers bullpen is set to undergo a significant transformation as the team gears up for spring training. With a focus on bolstering their relief pitching, the Dodgers have made strategic moves to strengthen their roster. Here's a breakdown of the key players and factors to watch in the upcoming season.
The Big Names:
- Edwin Díaz: The Dodgers have made a substantial investment in Díaz, signing him for three years and $69 million. Díaz's impressive strikeout rate and xERA make him a valuable asset. Over the last two seasons, he's been second among MLB relievers in strikeout rate (38.4%) and strikeout-minus-walk rate (29.7%).
- Tanner Scott: Last year was a challenging one for Scott, who struggled with blown saves and high home run rates. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to improve this season. The Dodgers are optimistic about his potential turnaround.
- Brusdar Graterol: Graterol has been a standout reliever since joining the Dodgers in 2020, boasting a 2.69 ERA and 3.06 xERA. His groundball rate ranks eighth in MLB among pitchers with at least 150 innings. The team is counting on Graterol to return to his previous form after a shoulder surgery-induced absence in 2025.
Depth and Versatility:
- The Dodgers have a solid core of five healthy relievers on their 40-man roster, including Scott, Graterol, and others. However, the team is still seeking to fill three bullpen spots, acknowledging the revolving door nature of the current pitching landscape.
- With a deep pool of starting pitching depth, including Ben Casparius, Justin Wrobleski, and Landon Knack, the Dodgers are well-prepared for any pitching challenges that may arise.
The Rise of New Talent:
- Paul Gervase: Acquired at the trade deadline from the Rays, Gervase is a 6'10 right-hander with an impressive strikeout rate. Over the last two minor league seasons, he's ranked eighth among pitchers with at least 100 innings. His potential to translate to major league success is a promising addition.
- Ronan Kopp: Added to the 40-man roster in November, Kopp is a 6'7 left-hander with a strong strikeout rate of 33.5% over the last two minor league seasons. While there's still room for improvement, Kopp shows promise as a future contributor.
The Dodgers bullpen is poised for a dynamic and improved performance in the upcoming season, with a mix of established stars and promising newcomers.
