Of the several pitchers the Los Angeles Dodgers signed to Minor League contracts this past offseason, Yency Almonte was among the most intriguing additions.
The right-hander was selected out of high school by the Los Angeles Angels in the 17th round of the 2012 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies six years later, though only appeared in 14 games.
Almonte enjoyed a breakout year in 2020 by going 3-0 with one save and a 2.93 ERA over 24 games, but then struggled the following season, which led to being outrighted off the Rockies’ 40-man roster.
Almonte ultimately chose to sign with the Dodgers in free agency, partly due to the advice of former Rockies teammate and current San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Jake McGee, via Nick Groke and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
“I recommend going out there,” McGee told him. “They know their stuff. They’re gonna teach you a lot of new things that you probably didn’t get in Colorado.”
Almonte and McGee were part of the Rockies organization together from 2017-19. After a disappointing four-year stint with Colorado, the Dodgers signed McGee to a one-year contract prior to the 2020 season.
The change of scenery was beneficial as the left-hander went 3-1 with a 2.66 ERA, 1.67 FIP, 0.84 WHIP and 14.6 strikeouts per nine in 24 appearances en route to helping L.A. win the WorldSeries.
McGee turned that success into a multi-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, where has continued to thrive.
Almonte trying to find consistency with slider
After beginning the 2022 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, Almonte earned a promotion to the Dodgers in May. He has impressed since being called up, posting a 1.13 ERA in 12 appearances thus far.
Almonte has produced 10 scoreless appearances and allowed just one earned run in each of the other two games.
While he has been successful on the mound, Almonte recently told Kirsten Watson on SportsNet LA he is looking to find consistency with his slider.
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