Former Dodgers Relief Pitcher Adam Kolarek Signs With Angels

The Los Angeles Angels signed Adam Kolarek to a one-year, $900,000 contract on Sunday night. The deal brings the left-hander back to Southern California, where he spent a portion of the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kolarek originally joined the Dodgers organization at the 2019 MLB trade deadline when he was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Minor League outfielder Niko Hulsizer.

The Dodgers traded Kolarek and Cody Thomas to the Oakland Athletics after the 2020 season in exchange for Sheldon Neuse and Gus Varland. Kolarek became a free agent after the 2022 season and was signed by the Dodgers to a Minor League contract.

Kolarek appeared in just one game for the Dodgers this past season, striking out two batters across 1.1 innings of work against the Philadelphia Phillies. He allowed one hit, which was a bloop single by Bryson Stott that scored two runs.

The Dodgers traded Kolarek and Phil Bickford to the New York Mets at the deadline for cash considerations. The left-handed reliever threw 4.2 scoreless innings over four games but was designated for assignment in late August.

That led to Kolarek signing a Minor League contract with the Atlanta Braves, and he remained in Triple-A Gwinnett for the remainder of the season. The 34-year-old became a Minor League free agent earlier this month.

Over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, Kolarek had a 0.84 ERA, 3.08 FIP and 0.84 WHIP in 47 games.

Adam Kolarek splits

When discussing mechanical changes Kolarek made, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke highly of his ability to succeed against same-side batters.

“I just think it’s like the same thing with the submarine right-hander. A few years ago when they changed that three-batter minimum, it made it hard for those guys to have a lot of utility on the roster,” Roberts said.

“If you’re a lefty and you face A.K., you’re out. But his history has shown against right-handers, they have a lot more success. Whether it’s the slug or on-base, and I think that’s for the most part with sidearmers.”