Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed Clayton Kershaw and brought in Shelby Miller, J.P. Feyereisen and Noah Syndergaard, but otherwise have experienced a great deal of turnover on their pitching staff this offseason.
Tyler Anderson and Andrew Heaney, key members of the rotation during the 2022 season, signed with the Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers, respectively. Meanwhile, a pair of bullpen contributors in Chris Martin (Boston Red Sox) and Tommy Kahnle (New York Yankees) both joined the American League East.
While further additions are still possible, the Dodgers’ current relief corps is projected to look similar to this past season. The group includes Yency Almonte, Brusdar Graterol, Caleb Ferguson, Daniel Hudson, Miller, Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes expressed confidence in the makeup of the bullpen while acknowledging he will add to it if the opportunity arises, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“We feel like it’s a deep group and a bunch of guys that can take down different roles that we feel confident in. As with everything else, we’ll look to continue to supplement and make that group stronger and better, but we feel very confident in the group that we have.”
While the Dodgers’ bullpen has plenty of depth and late-inning options, it lacks a dedicated closer. Gomes and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman have both indicated the team is unlikely to add one this offseason.
The Dodgers reportedly have expressed interest in Seth Lugo — who has experience closing — but as a starting pitcher, which is a role he hasn’t held since 2017.
Andrew Heaney had preference to re-sign with Dodgers
Prior to signing with the Rangers, Heaney reportedly had a preference to stay in L.A. However, with the amount of clubs showing interest in the left-hander, it’s believed his asking price went beyond what the Dodgers were comfortable of meeting.
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