Dodgers Showing Interest in Former Braves, Rockies Free Agent Reliever
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had an eventful offseason that keeps getting better.
Weeks after winning the franchise’s eighth World Series championship, Los Angeles got right to work bolstering all aspects of their roster. The pitching rotation, offense, defense, and even the bullpen have all been addressed since October, and then some.
Cy Young winners, Gold Glove winners, and international phenoms have all made their way to the Dodgers. Fan-favorites and difference makers from the title run have been brought back, but unfortunately with the notion that some aren’t going to be on the quest for the first back-to-back MLB title run in 25 years.
With all that being said, it is shocking that the Dodgers have not let their foot off the gas regarding new talent this offseason.
MLB insider Pat Ragazzo linked L.A. to yet another pitcher, this time a southpaw reliever in Tyler Matzek.
Matzek had a bullpen session Thursday about an hour from Dodger Stadium in Irvine, CA and Ragazzo said the Dodgers had representatives on hand.
After the Dodgers inked deals with two dominant closers in two days with the Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates signings, the question remains if there is a need to acquire another arm.
Additionally, the Dodgers brought back Blake Treinen who was a major force in 2024.
Matzek is 34 years old and missed most of 2024 with an injury. He also missed all of 2023 due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
His best statistical season came in the 2021 season on his way to a World Series win with the Atlanta Braves. In 63 innings pitched, Matzek threw 77 strikeouts to only 37 walks with an ERA of 2.57.
Since beginning his MLB career as a starting pitcher for the Colorado Rockies in 2014, Matzek has spent considerable time in the Double-A and Triple-A circuits, and even another baseball league in the American Association of Professional Baseball. He was away from the Majors from 2016-19.
A journeyman in every sense of the term, Matzek would provide so much more than just a pitching arm given his experience, clubhouse presence, and resilience throughout his career.
