TL;DR
- Dodgers bullpen showed inconsistency, prompting offseason reinforcement discussions.
- Despite initial hesitation, the Dodgers reached an agreement with free agent Edwin Díaz.
- President Andrew Friedman expressed confidence in returning arms and potential bullpen strength.
- The team also has promising current relievers and believes in Tanner Scott's resurgence.
The Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen showed inconsistency for much of the postseason this year. While many anticipated the team would make moves in the offseason free agency market to bolster their relief corps, American media outlet Dodger Blue had reported on the club's hesitant approach. However, news of an agreement emerged on the 10th Japan Standard Time (9th local time).
This season's relief corps has seen a string of struggling pitchers, including Tanner Scott (61 appearances, 4.74 ERA), Blake Treinen (32 appearances, 5.40 ERA), and Kirby Yates (50 appearances, 5.23 ERA). While the postseason was barely managed by shifting starters like Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan, this remains a significant concern for next season as the team aims for a third consecutive championship.
Given these circumstances, numerous reinforcement proposals for new relief pitchers have emerged since the offseason began. Among them, Edwin Díaz (62 appearances, 1.63 ERA), who became a free agent with The New York Mets, was considered a strong candidate, but reports surfaced on the 10th that a contract agreement had been reached.
In an article published prior to the agreement reports, the same media outlet stated, "Many anticipate the Dodgers will bolster their bullpen this offseason, but according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman indicated it's not the top priority." He further conveyed his perspective: "I think we've got some really talented arms coming back next year, and I feel good about our bullpen being a strength. It's certainly true that this group has had a lot of variability in performance, but results are still very important. So, if we can add to it and make it stronger, we will. But I don't think it's a situation where we have to."
Furthermore, it's acknowledged that while the bullpen could certainly use reinforcements, there are ample reasons for optimism regarding the current roster. Alex Bessiath (68 appearances, 3.02 ERA), Anthony Banda (71 appearances, 3.18 ERA), Will Klein (14 appearances, 2.35 ERA), and Jake Dryer (67 appearances, 2.95 ERA) have all demonstrated success in their own ways, and the club is confident in Scott's potential resurgence. This confidence stems from his proven track record just last year in 2024, when he posted a 1.75 ERA over 72 innings and earned an All-Star selection.
球団は外部補強に及び腰な姿勢を見せていた中でディアスと契約合意した格好だが、今後現有戦力の再編成へシフトするのか、それともさらに補強を行うのかは要注目だ。
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