Dodgers Sign Chris Okey, Sam Carlson, Justin Dean, Julian Fernández & More To Minor League Contracts

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Sam Carlson, Justin Dean, Julian Fernandez, Chris Okey, Tanner Kiest and Matt Sauer to Minor League contracts with non-roster invites to big league camp for 2025 Spring Training.

Carlson was originally selected by the Seattle Mariners in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft and spent parts of four seasons with the organization before joining the Milwaukee Brewers last year.

Carlson went 4-2 with a 4.25 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 44 games for the Brewers’ Double-A affiliate, Biloxi Shuckers, during the 2024 season. While his numbers don’t jump out, he possesses a promising slider and fastball that can reach the mid-90s.

Dean was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 17th round of the 2018 MLB Draft and spent parts of six seasons with the organization.

In 117 games between Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett last year, Dean batted .247/.339/.321 with 14 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 38 RBI and 61 stolen bases.

Fernández originally signed with the Colorado Rockies as an international free agent in July 2012. The right-hander was then selected by the San Francisco Giants as the second pick in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft and remained with the organization until joining the Miami Marlins one year later.

Fernández was returned to the Rockies in October 2019 and proceeded to make his MLB debut two years later. He struggled in six appearances, allowing eight runs and 13 baserunners over 6.2 innings.

Kiest was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 28th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He eventually joined the Minnesota Twins and most recently was part of the Giants organization.

The Yucaipa, Calif., native appeared in 42 games for Double-A Richmond last year and went 7-6 with a 2.62 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 58.1 innings.

Sauer is arguably the most notable name of the group as he was selected by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft.

The right-hander made his MLB debut for the Kansas City Royals last year and posted a 7.71 ERA and 2.08 WHIP in 16.1 innings pitched (14 games).

Okey, another former second-round draft pick, previously joined the Dodgers on a Minor League deal, and has MLB experience with the Cincinnati Reds (2022) and Los Angeles Angels (2023).

Dodgers Spring Training non-roster invitees

PITCHERS (13):

Sam Carlson
Carlos Duran
Julian Fernández
Jackson Ferris
Giovanny Gallegos
Jose E. Hernandez
Joe Jacques
Justin Jarvis
Jared Karros
Jack Little
Jose Rodriguez
Roki Sasaki
Matt Sauer

CATCHERS (3):

Griffin Lockwood-Powell
Chris Okey
Dalton Rushing

INFIELDERS (4):

David Bote
Alex Freeland
Austin Gauthier
Kody Hoese

OUTFIELDERS (4):

Justin Dean
Josue De Paula
Zyhir Hope
Ryan Ward