The Los Angeles Dodgers have followed up their second straight World Series victory by operating as the most aggressive team across the league once again this offseason. Much to the dismay of the rest of the league, the Dodgers brought big-name free agents such as Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz to town this offseason, and as a result, many folks have them pegged as the top World Series contender in the league once again.
Over the past few years, Los Angeles has become notorious for its pursuit of perfection, and even with a superstar-laden roster, the front office makes sure that no stone is left unturned. That has continued even with the team reporting for Spring Training, as the Dodgers recently signed relief pitcher Keynan Middleton to a deal in free agency.
Dodgers Sign Keynan Middleton to Minor-League Contract
Middleton is part of a long list of pitchers the Dodgers have decided to take a flier on in recent seasons. The veteran relief pitcher broke into the majors back in 2017 with the Los Angeles Angels, and he quickly turned himself into one of the team’s most trusted pieces of their bullpen. After appearing in 64 games as a rookie, though, Middleton took the mound just 40 times over the next three seasons.
Since then, Middleton has bounced around the league, spending time with five different teams over the past five years. When he’s been healthy, Middleton has largely been an effective option out of the bullpen, but he hasn’t pitched at all over the past two years, as he’s been working his way back to full health instead.
Heading into the new season, though, Middleton appears to be healthy, but interest across the league wasn’t particularly high. Los Angeles wanted to take a look at him and see what he’s got left in the tank, though, which led to him earning a minor-league deal from the defending World Series champions last week.
“The Dodgers signed RHP Keynan Middleton to a minor-league deal (first reported by
Baseball America),” Katie Woo of The Athletic wrote in a post on X. “He’ll be in minor-league camp, no NRI. Middleton has not thrown in the majors since 2023, underwent flexor repair surgery in 2024 with the Cardinals.”
Dodgers Hoping Keynan Middleton Can Get Back on Track
GettyThe Dodgers have signed relief pitcher Keynan Middleton to a minor league contract
The last time we saw Middleton in the majors, he posted some decent numbers (2-2, 3.38 ERA, two saves, 64 K, 1.24 WHIP), and it’s clear that’s what the Dodgers are hoping to see from him now that he’s been signed. Of course, it’s worth noting he hasn’t pitched in two years, so what Middleton will look like in his return to action is a major question mark.
With this being a minor-league deal, though, there’s virtually no risk attached to Middleton. If he doesn’t pan out, the team can move on from him without as much of a second thought from a financial perspective. But if he pans out, it will look like one of the best deals of the offseason. Middleton will look to hit the ground running as he attempts to carve out a role on Los Angeles’ loaded roster.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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