Among the decisions the Los Angeles Dodgers faced early into free agency was with Jimmy Nelson, who missed all of 2022 due to recovering from Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair.
Predictably, the Dodgers declined their $1.1 million team option on Nelson for the 2023 season. That immediately made the right-hander a free agent, though there wasn’t reported interest from any clubs.
With Spring Training camps opening across baseball this week, Nelson and the Dodgers appear to have reunited once again.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers re-signed Nelson to a $1.2 million contract that can reach a total value of $4 million based on performance bonsues:
Source: Jimmy Nelson got a big league deal from the Dodgers. Will pay him $1.2 million, with a chance to make $4 million with bonuses.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 15, 2023
That the Dodgers re-signed Nelson for a third time since he originally joined the organization isn’t much of a surprise. However, the 33-year-old receiving a Major League deal is somewhat unexpected.
Nelson has been part of the Dodgers organization since 2020 but only appeared in 28 games (one start) during that span. All of those came during the 2021 season, when Nelson made the Opening Day roster and went 1-2 with a 1.86 ERA and 44 strikeouts prior to succumbing to injury.
Jimmy Nelson contract history with Dodgers
When the Dodgers first signed Nelson in January 2020, he joined the team on a $1.25 million deal that included a vesting option for the following year.
Nelson then was re-signed prior to the 2021 season on a Minor League contract. He returned again in 2022 on a Major League deal with the aforementioned club option that ultimately was declined.
Nelson has raved about his time with the Dodgers organization and last year spoke of feeling like there was “unfinished business” with the team.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
