The Los Angeles Dodgers have so much talent that sometimes they discard talented players.
That's what happened on Wednesday.
After designating Tony Gonsolin for assignment, he cleared waivers and elected free agency. He's set to look for a deal away from the Dodgers for 2026.
Gonsolin was once an All Star and has a career 3.34 ERA as a right-handed pitcher.
The problem for Gonsolin is that he went a flexor repair and internal brace procedure on his right UCL in August. He won't be ready for Opening Day.
Gonsolin was a great starting pitcher for a span of about four years, but injuries slowed him down, and in 2023, Gonsolin eventually needed Tommy John surgery. He didn't pitch at all in 2024.
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In 2025, Gonsolin pitched just seven games, to the tune of a 5.00 ERA, before going away with injuries again.
There are a couple ways this could go for Gonsolin in free agency.
He could take a two-year deal, essentially just signing on to be paid whatever he'd be worth in year two while getting an organization to rehab with until he's ready.
He could also look into waiting in free agency and not signing a deal at all until he gets healthier, and at that point, he'd know which teams might have the biggest need.
It's not an easy time for Gonsolin, but there should be teams out there willing to give him a chance.
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