The Los Angeles Dodgers face critical decisions in shaping their 2024 roster, with only five players secured for the season. Among these choices, the bullpen’s future stands as a prominent concern, potentially involving the return of valuable middle reliever Yency Almonte.
Key Takeaways:
- The Dodgers have only five players under contract for the 2024 season, requiring significant roster decisions.
- Yency Almonte, a 29-year-old right-handed reliever, could be a vital asset for the team, with two years of team control left.
- Despite a challenging start in 2023, Almonte’s performance improved significantly, making him an asset if he can maintain his health.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a pivotal offseason with only five players currently signed for the 2024 season. This limited roster presents the organization with a challenging task, especially when it comes to fortifying their bullpen. However, amidst these uncertainties, one name that stands out as a potential solution is that of Yency Almonte.
J.P. Hoornstra of the O.C. Register has suggested that the Dodgers might consider bringing back Yency Almonte, a 29-year-old right-handed reliever. Almonte initially joined the Dodgers in the Spring of 2022 under a minor league deal but quickly established himself as a valuable asset in their middle relief rotation. Over the course of two seasons in LA, he showcased his capabilities by pitching 83.1 innings, maintaining a commendable 3.35 ERA, and registering an impressive 8.9 strikeouts per nine innings.
Almonte’s journey in 2023 was marked by its ups and downs. In the early part of the season, he struggled with a 7.04 ERA, often conceding multiple runs in outings. However, he made a remarkable turnaround in his next 25 appearances, allowing only nine earned runs and striking out 29 batters. This resurgence lowered his season ERA significantly, concluding at 5.06.
Yency Almonte: A down year (5.06 ERA) ended early because of a knee injury. That raises the possibility that Almonte will be non-tendered, but the prediction here is he gets another chance.
J.P. Hoornstra – The O.C. Register
The only significant hiccup in Almonte’s 2023 season was a knee injury that prematurely ended his campaign. Nevertheless, if he can maintain his health in the upcoming season, there is a strong belief that Almonte will continue to be a valuable asset for the Dodgers, who maintain their aspirations for another shot at the World Series.
In the face of limited roster certainty for the 2024 season, Yency Almonte’s potential return could offer much-needed stability to the Dodgers’ bullpen and reinforce their pursuit of championship glory.
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