Throughout the early stages of the offseason the Los Angeles Dodgers were very much involved in the market of free-agent relief pitchers. The bulk of that centered around Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon.
Los Angeles was connected to each of the closers with varying degrees of reported interest, though Chapman and Jansen seemingly appeared to be the club’s primary targets. Once Chapman agreed to terms with the New York Yankees, the Dodgers followed suit shortly after with Jansen.
While the power right-hander ensured the Dodgers will not be without an elite backend reliever, the club has smaller voids to fill in their bullpen.
One option may be Craig Breslow, as the Dodgers were among the teams to attend his throwing showcase, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports
Breslow impressed scouts by throwing at a lower arm slot. The Mets and Dodgers each had two officials attend the session as well, and the Jays and Cubs were among the other clubs represented.
The 36-year-old signed a Minor League deal with the Miami Marlins last February. He made the Marlins roster out of Spring Training, but was released in May. Breslow didn’t reach the Majors with Texas, and the two sides mutually decided to part ways in August.
Over 15 games with the Marlins, the left-hander yielded a 4.50 ERA, 3.93 FIP and 1.78 WHIP in 14 innings pitched. Breslow was largely effective throughout his career until the 2014 season with the Boston Red Sox.
The prolonged struggles over the past three seasons has resulted in Breslow altering his arm angle. In 2013, he went 5-2 with a 1.81 ERA and was key for the Red Sox in their path to a World Series title.
The 11-year veteran owns a career 3.35 ERA, 18.5 percent strikeout rate and 37.4 ground ball rate.
If the Dodgers are to sign Breslow, it presumably would need to be on a Minor League or one-year contract. Rosenthal reiterated the club’s stance of only wanting to sign relievers to one-year deals.
Breslow has received reported interest this offseason from the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, among others.
