Much of the offseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers thus far has centered around Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but the team also started the process of filling out their roster and organizational depth.
After signing Max Muncy to a contract extension and exercising Blake Treinen’s option for 2024, the Dodgers re-signed Ricky Vanasco. More recently they also re-signed Jason Heyward and reportedly agreed to terms with Joe Kelly, both of which are one-year contracts.
According to Mike Mayer of Metsmerized.com, the Dodgers have now signed Nabil Crismatt to a Minor League contract:
Source: The Dodgers have signed right-handed pitcher Nabil Crismatt to a minor league deal.
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) December 8, 2023
Crismatt’s deal presumably includes a non-roster invitation to Spring Training. The right-hander spent this past season with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Crismatt made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2020 and was with the Padres from 2021-2023. San Diego designated him for assignment in June, and Crismatt elected free agency after going unclaimed on waivers.
That led to signing a Minor League contract with the Diamondbacks, though Crismatt made just one appearance before otherwise finishing the season with Triple-A Reno. Included during that stretch was opting out of his original contract but re-signing with the Diamondbacks on another Minor League deal.
The 28-year-old was among the players who elected for Minor League free agency after the 2023 season concluded.
During his time with the Padres and Diamondbacks this year, Crismatt went a combined 0-2 with an 8.31 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over eight appearances. He also struggled with the Reno Aces, going 4-3 with a 6.85 ERA in 14 games (nine starts).
Crismatt hasn’t fared much better for Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Winter League, where he is 0-1 with a 7.24 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in four starts.
What role will Nabil Crismatt have with Dodgers?
The Dodgers signing Crismatt to a Minor League contract suggests he’s likely to begin the 2024 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Given his recent usage, the right-hander could be utilized as a potential swingman or outright starter despite all but one of his 109 games at the Major League level coming out of the bullpen.
The Dodgers bullpen is largely set but as was seen throughout the 2023 season, starting pitching depth can quickly become an issue. Should Crismatt remain on his current trajectory, he could be among the Dodgers’ options if similar trouble arises in 2024.
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