The Los Angeles Dodgers are reporting to 2024 Spring Training in just a few days, but that doesn’t mean the roster is set just yet.
The Dodgers have remained in contact with Clayton Kershaw with the hopes of signing him to a contract to keep him in the organization. They have also been on the hunt for bullpen upgrades.
Ryan Brasier and Kenley Jansen are two names that have been connected to the Dodgers, but it’s unclear where L.A. stands in their pursuit of either.
However, the Dodgers are making one change in their bullpen as they are trading Caleb Ferguson to the Yankees, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
The return of the trade is not yet known.
Ferguson has been a key contributor in the Dodgers bullpen for the last few seasons, primarily working as their primary left-handed reliever.
He got off to a great start in 2023 as he posted a 1.80 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 24 strikeouts against six walks over his first 23 appearances.
However, Ferguson hit a rough patch in June when he put up a 6.80 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 10 innings of work (11 games). He bounced back by pitching to a minuscule 0.87 ERA in 11 appearances during the month of July.
Ferguson finished the first half with a 5-3 record 2.78 ERA, 1.21 ERA and 10.6 strikeouts per nine in 32.1 innings pitched. The second half was a much different story as he went 2-1 with a 4.18 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 10.3 strikeouts per nine in 28 innings.
Ferguson also had notable home and road splits, pitching to a 1.10 ERA in 36 games at Dodger Stadium compared to a 6.18 ERA in 32 games away from Chavez Ravine.
In total, Ferguson went 7-4 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and three saves during the 2023 season. He posted a 6.75 ERA and 2.10 WHIP in seven starts, compared to a 3.02 ERA and 1.30 WHIP as a relief pitcher.
Due to his second half struggles, there was speculation Ferguson could ultimately have been left off the National League Division Series roster, but the Dodgers kept him as part of their 26-man group.
Where does the Dodgers bullpen stand without Caleb Ferguson?
Without Ferguson, the Dodgers only have two left-handers in their bullpen with Alex Vesia and Ryan Yarbrough.
The group is heavy from the right-side with Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, J.P. Feyereisen, Michael Grove, Joe Kelly, Gus Varland, Ricky Vanasco and Daniel Hudson among those in the mix for a spot.
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