The Los Angeles Dodgers have been busy this offseason, filling out their roster with high-end options, while continuing their pursuit of moves on the periphery and add depth to their organization.
On Friday, right-handed pitcher Sam Carlson announced on social media that he signed with the Dodgers ahead of the 2025 season. Spending five previous seasons with the Seattle Mariners and Milwaukee Brewers, the 26-year-old gets a fresh start in a new organization.
Carlson’s contract is a Minor League deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training.
Initially drafted in the second round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft by the Mariners, Carlson has pitched at four different levels in the minors. He reached Double-A with the Brewers in 2024, where he logged a 4.25 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 51 strikeouts over 48.2 innings.
His slider shows the most promise, with a solid amount of sweep and his fastball sits in the mid-90s but has intriguing pitch characteristics.
The mark of Carlson’s recent development has been his vertical approach angle to his fastball. It shaves some velocity off his fastball, but it provides him with a better induced vertical break.
He’ll have the opportunity to work with one of the best team’s across the league in terms of player development and continue fine-tuning his skill set.
What to expect from Sam Carlson
Carlson reworking his arsenal is a testament to his growth as a player, utilizing a pitch mix that can compete at the Major League level when at its best. The Dodgers and director of pitching Rob Hill have stocked their system with upside arms, and Carlson is another.
For Carlson, coming into Major League camp is the best route for him, as he’ll get the best shot to showcase his reworked mix.
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