The Los Angeles Dodgers roster is mostly set and still have the likely addition of Kirby Yates on the way, along with Clayton Kershaw and the possible return of Kiké Hernández.
However, many quality free agents remain available, and the Dodgers love to be “opportunistic,” as they so often say. The Dodgers will also continue to look for pieces they could buy low on or those who could add depth to their roster.
Among the types of buy-low players they could target are those with an underlying trait they like, similar to Anthony Banda, Evan Phillips and so many others they’ve had success with. Others could be players coming off an injury or still recovering, as they’ve done with Tommy Kahnle and more in the past.
Some of those players coming off injuries who could appeal to them are Max Scherzer and Tyler Matzek as the Dodgers had scouts in attendance for both of their throwing sessions, according to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustated:
Sources: free agent RHP Max Scherzer threw in front of teams at Cressey Sports Performance’s pro day earlier in the week
I’m told Scouts liked what they saw: Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Phillies, Braves, Cubs, Red Sox were among those present
Scherzer has been in…
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) January 24, 2025
Scouts who watched free agent lefty reliever Tyler Matzek’s bullpen in Irvine, Cali yesterday felt he looked strong and healthy
Could be an MLB bullpen option for teams. Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies among those who attended and fit
— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) January 24, 2025
Scherzer was limited to nine starts in 2024 due to injuries to his back, shoulder and hamstring. Matzek pitched in just 11 games because of his own injuries.
However, both have had success in their careers and if healthy, could be an upgrade to nearly any roster.
Scherzer pitched for the Dodgers after being acquired at the 2021 trade deadline. He has since pitched for the New York Mets and Texas Rangers.
Matzek last pitched for the Atlanta Braves and along with being limited in 2024, he also missed all of the 2023 season.
In Scherzer’s 17-year career, he’s pitched 2,878 innings with a 3.16 ERA. The future Hall of Famer turns 41 in July, so he is unlikely to pitch at the front of a rotation again.
Matzek has thrown 285.1 innings with a 3.72 ERA, but in 2020 and 2021, he was one of the most effective relievers in baseball with an ERA below 2.80 in each season.
Would the Dodgers sign Max Scherzer or Tyler Matzek?
Although the Dodgers are scouting both of pitchers, it seems unlikely either of them are a realistic option to be signed. It is more probable the Dodgers are just doing their due diligence on available players.
Scherzer and Matzek seem more likely to go somewhere where they’d have more of an opportunity to pitch and make an impact for a team.
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