The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed their bullpen with a pair of moves on Monday as Caleb Ferguson was traded to the New York Yankees, while Ryan Braiser reportedly re-signed with the team on a two-year, $9 million contract.
The Dodgers acquired Matt Gage and pitching prospect Christian Zazueta Jr. in the deal that sent Ferguson to the Yankees.
Ferguson is the second relief pitcher the Dodgers have traded to the Yankees this offseason as they previously sent Victor González, along with Jorbit Vivas, to New York in exchange for former first-round pick Trey Sweeney.
Following his trade to the Yankees, Ferguson thanked the Dodgers while expressing his excitement for the next chapter in his career.
Ferguson experienced some ups and downs during his time in L.A., which included missing the entire 2021 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. When healthy, he proved to be one of the team’s most reliable left-handed relievers in recent seasons.
One of the factors behind the Dodgers trading Ferguson likely was team control. The 27-year-old is due to become a free agent after the 2024 season and with five years of Major League service time, cannot be optioned to the Minors without approving it.
Caleb Ferguson’s career with Dodgers
Ferguson went 7-4 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and three saves in 68 games (seven starts) during the 2023 season. He posted a 6.75 ERA and 2.10 WHIP as a starter, compared to a 3.02 ERA and 1.30 WHIP as a relief pitcher.
Ferguson also had extreme home and road splits as he posted an excellent 1.10 ERA in 36 games at Dodger Stadium compared to a 6.18 ERA in 32 games away from Chavez Ravine.
In parts of five seasons with the Dodgers, Ferguson went a combined 18-9 with a 3.43 ERA and 247 strikeouts in 207.1 innings. He originally joined the organization in 2014 after being selected in the 38th round of the MLB Draft.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
