While the start of the offseason saw Rich Hill, Russell Martin and Hyun-Jin Ryu officially become free agents, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced roster decisions down the road. That deadline has seemingly arrived, as teams have until 2 p.m. Monday to tender contracts to applicable players.
For the Dodgers that group consists of Scott Alexander, Pedro Baez, Austin Barnes, Cody Bellinger, Yimi Garcia, Kiké Hernandez, Max Muncy, Joc Pederson, Corey Seager, Ross Stripling, Chris Taylor and Julio Urias all being eligible for salary arbitration this winter.
Considering his injury trouble during the 2019 season, Alexander profiled as a candidate to be non-tendered and therefore become a free agent. That may apply to Garcia as well, who despite remaining on the Dodgers’ active roster the entire year, struggled mightily.
As Monday’s deadline to tender contracts draws closer, Alexander and the Dodgers agreed to one-year contract, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports:
The #Dodgers bringing back reliever Scott Alexander on one- year, $875,000 deal
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 2, 2019
Alexander was projected by MLB Trade Rumors to earn $1 million in salary next season.
It’s unclear if Alexander was non-tendered and re-signed to the one-year deal, or if the agreement is with avoiding arbitration. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman hasn’t gone to arbitration during his tenure, and the club’s last hearing was in 2007 with Joe Beimel.
Alexander went into the season expecting to fill a key role for the Dodgers as a lefty specialist. His importance was magnified as Tony Cingrani worked to return from shoulder trouble before undergoing season-ending surgery.
As Alexander struggled through the first month of the season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hoped hamstring trouble that had compromised his mechanics. Alexander was placed on the 10-day injured list June 11 due to left forearm inflammation.
It was considered a minor injury but in reality wound up marking the beginning of the end to his 2019 season. Alexander suffered a thumb injury as a rehab assignment neared and that wound up stemming from a nerve issue in his left arm.
The 30-year-old underwent nerve decompression surgery in September, ending his season. Alexander was limited to 28 appearances in his second season with the Dodgers, going 3-2 with a 3.63 ERA, 5.07 FIP and 1.39 WHIP with nine strikeouts and seven walks in 17.1 innings
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
