Dodgers Eyeing Options to Reinforce Their Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been active in recent days, re-signing corner outfielder and fan favorite Teoscar Hernández. They’ve also added infielder Hyeseong Kim from the KBO and traded second baseman Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. However, the team still has roster spots to fill, particularly in pitching, with reports indicating a need for at least one more starter and a high-leverage reliever. While little is known about the Dodgers’ pursuit of starting pitchers beyond Roki Sasaki, here are four potential relievers that could strengthen the bullpen.

Four Candidates to Bolster the Dodgers’ Bullpen:

Kenley Jansen

Could the Dodgers reunite with Kenley Jansen? The 37-year-old free agent spent 12 seasons in Los Angeles and has 350 saves to his name. Known for his signature cutter, Jansen left the Dodgers in 2021. Over the last two years with the Boston Red Sox, he has saved 56 games, posting a 3.44 ERA and an even lower FIP of 3.30. The future Hall of Famer is just 53 saves away from 500 career saves. However, the Dodgers are unlikely to slot him into the closer role with Blake Treinen and Michael Kopech already in the bullpen.

Joe Kelly

Right-handed reliever Joe Kelly, also a free agent, is a familiar face in Los Angeles. The fan favorite and California native has had two stints with the Dodgers and owns two World Series rings (2020, 2024). Though Kelly didn’t participate in the most recent World Series due to a shoulder injury, he has an impressive pitching repertoire and remains a desirable option when healthy. In 2024, Kelly posted a 1-1 record with a 4.78 ERA, recording 35 strikeouts and 16 walks in 32 innings. The Dodgers could look to bring him back if he’s able to stay healthy.

Andrés Muñoz

The 25-year-old right-handed reliever had a standout 2024 season. Across 59 1/3 innings, Muñoz posted a 2.12 ERA, striking out 71 batters and recording a WHIP of 0.961. However, acquiring Muñoz would likely require the Dodgers to make a trade with the Seattle Mariners, who are seeking power hitters and possibly young, controllable starting pitchers. The Dodgers’ crowded 40-man roster could make this trade a possibility. It remains to be seen which players the Dodgers would offer in exchange, but candidates such as Landon Knack, Justin Wrobleski, or Andy Pages could be on the table.

Tanner Scott

 

Tanner Scott is widely considered one of the top relievers available this offseason, with the Dodgers, New York Mets, and other teams showing interest. The high-leverage closer posted a 1.72 ERA and 84 strikeouts over 72 innings in 2024, splitting time between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. During the postseason with San Diego, Scott recorded a 0.00 ERA, including three strikeouts of National League MVP Shohei Ohtani. While Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has been hesitant to invest heavily in relievers, Scott could be an exception.

The 2024 World Series champions will likely add another reliever, but the timing of that move remains uncertain.