The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed right-handed reliever Giovanny Gallegos to a minor-league deal. This move adds depth to their bullpen but comes with some uncertainty due to Gallegos’ recent struggles. Once a cornerstone in the St. Louis Cardinals’ bullpen, Gallegos had a rough 2024 season, posting a 6.53 ERA over 21 appearances. His command and swing-and-miss abilities deteriorated, and he dealt with shoulder issues earlier in the year.
Gallegos is still owed $5.5 million for 2024 and a $500,000 buyout on a 2026 option, which the Cardinals remain responsible for. The Dodgers will only owe him the prorated league minimum if he makes the major-league roster, minimizing their financial risk. Given his track record from 2019 to 2022, where he was a dominant force in relief, the Dodgers are likely hoping he can rediscover his form in a lower-pressure environment. If he performs well, Gallegos could become a valuable postseason-eligible option for Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Giovanny Gallegos to a minor-league deal that could earn him a $2.5 million base salary if he makes the major league roster, with an additional $1.5 million in incentives. The contract also includes three opt-out dates, allowing Gallegos to pursue other opportunities if he doesn’t secure a role with the big league team.
Gallegos, who spent the last seven seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, is a former closer who took on a general relief role in 2024. However, his performance dipped last season, as he posted a 6.57 ERA across 21 appearances, allowing six home runs in just 20.2 innings pitched.
Since the end of the season, Gallegos has focused on refining his lower-half mechanics, which reportedly led to an uptick in his fastball velocity. This improvement, combined with his previous track record of success, has the Dodgers betting on his potential rebound.
With the Dodgers’ focus on building depth around their championship-winning core, Gallegos’ signing provides a low-risk, high-reward option. While the Dodgers remain in the hunt for high-profile moves like acquiring Juan Soto, this deal reflects their broader strategy of reinforcing the roster without overextending resources.
Teoscar Hernandez Elects for Free Agency
Teoscar Hernández’s free agency decision could have significant implications for the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason. The 32-year-old outfielder officially declined the Dodgers’ qualifying offer on November 19, signaling his intention to test the market. Hernández was a key contributor for the Dodgers, and his departure would create a gap in their lineup as they prepare to defend their World Series title in 2025.
MLB insider Jon Morosi recently speculated on MLB Network that Hernández might join a team in the American League East, citing his strong career numbers at Fenway Park as a reason the Boston Red Sox might pursue him. Additionally, Morosi suggested the Baltimore Orioles could also be in the mix. However, Morosi still considers the Dodgers as one of the two leading candidates to retain Hernández, alongside the Red Sox.
If Hernández opts to leave Los Angeles, the Dodgers might pivot toward more significant offseason moves, potentially setting the stage for a high-profile acquisition, such as Juan Soto, who has also been linked to the team. The outcome of Hernández’s free agency decision could determine how aggressive the Dodgers are in reshaping their roster for the upcoming season.
Dodgers’ All-Star, Yankees Have ‘Mutual Interest’
Walker Buehler, who delivered the decisive strikeouts for the Dodgers to clinch the 2024 World Series, is now exploring free agency. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, there is mutual interest between Buehler and the New York Yankees.
In an appearance on MLB Network, Morosi commented on the potential storyline:
“What an amazing story it would be, if Buehler winds up pitching in 2025, where he threw the final pitch of the World Series in 2024… I’ve been told there’s at least some mutual interest between Walker Buehler and the New York Yankees.”
Buehler was instrumental during the postseason, gaining strength with each start and ultimately sealing the Dodgers’ championship against the Yankees in Game 5. If Buehler were to sign with New York, it would create a dramatic shift in narrative, adding intrigue to the Yankees-Dodgers rivalry. For the Dodgers, losing Buehler would be a significant blow, especially to the very team they defeated for the title.
