The Los Angeles Dodgers face a roster crunch and already had to designate Bryan Hudson for assignment before trading him to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Although it’s a good problem to have, the Dodgers have been faced with some tough decisions on who to remove from their 40-man roster. With Teoscar Hernández set to join the team, another 40-man spot was needed with no obvious options available on who to waive.
However, the Dodgers have found a solution. According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com, the Dodgers are working on a deal to send Yency Almonte to the Chicago Cubs:
Hearing #Dodgers are working on a trade that will send Yency Almonte to the Cubs.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) January 11, 2024
Shortly after the news of Almonte being traded broke, Toribio also reported the deal will include Michael Busch as well:
#Dodgers and Cubs are making a bigger deal, per source. Former first round pick Michael Busch is also headed to Chicago. https://t.co/YESXv3Od0g
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) January 11, 2024
The return has not yet been reported, but it figures to be notable with the inclusion of Busch.
The top prospect has high projections but has been unable to find any spot in the Dodgers lineup. The move gives him an opportunity to play everyday with the Cubs.
Almonte previously signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers worth $1.9 million to avoid arbitration.
After becoming a key member of the Dodgers bullpen in 2022, Almonte labored through an inconsistent year and eventually landed on the 15-day injured list because of a right knee sprain.
There was hope the right-hander would return in time for the postseason, but his projected return slipped further into October and was going to require the Dodgers to advance to the National League Championship Series.
Despite the knee injury that prevented Almonte from pitching after the middle of August, he still appeared in a career-high 49 games during the 2023 season. Almonte finished the season going 3-2 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.40 WHIP.
Amid his down season, Almonte used the year as a learning experience and expressed his excitement for the 2024 season.
Dodgers relievers after Yency Almonte trade
With Almonte no longer in the fold, the Dodgers still have a deep bullpen that includes Caleb Ferguson, J.P. Feyereisen, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove, Kyle Hurt, Joe Kelly, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, Ricky Vanasco, Gus Varland, Alex Vesia and Ryan Yarbrough.
Daniel Hudson is in the mix as well on a Minor League deal. They have also expressed interest in bringing Ryan Brasier back to the club.
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