The Dodgers have signed veteran utility player Chris Owings to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Owings, 32, is a career .239 hitter, with 37 home runs in 720 games for six different major league teams.
He broke in with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013 and spent six seasons in Phoenix. Since then Owings has played for five teams in five seasons: the Kansas City Royals (2019), Boston Red Sox (2019), Colorado Rockies (2020-21), Baltimore Orioles (2022) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2023).
With the Dodgers, Owings will join a list of non-roster position players in major league camp that includes Trey Sweeney, Jonathan Arauz, Kevin Padlo, Austin Gauthier, Chris Okey, Dalton Rushing, Jose Ramos, Ryan Ward, Drew Avans and Travis Swaggerty.
The Dodgers' depth chart will be a difficult one for any minor-league hopeful to crack. Their everyday lineup is essentially set, and their projected bench — Austin Barnes, Miguel Rojas, Manuel Margot, and either Jason Heyward or Chris Taylor — is deeper than most.
For Owings and the others, one injury in camp could change the balance of the Dodgers' projected Opening Day lineup. While still a longshot, any player who can fill in at multiple positions if needed could be valuable in a hurry.
In parts of 11 major league seasons, Owings has seen time at shortstop, second base, third base, and all three outfield positions. He's also made three relief appearances in lopsided games.
Owings figures to begin the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Potentially, he can establish himself as a mid-season call-up while also setting an example for his less experienced teammates.
Dodgers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to hold their first workout at Camelback Ranch-Glendale this weekend.
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