Now that the calendar has turned to 2017, more roster moves are sure to be around the corner, and the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen should be among the most impacted. As mentioned in analysis of the bullpen prior to the 2016 season, it’s interesting to note how far this group has come.
In 2014 and 2015, the Dodgers boasted one of the worst bullpens in the league by traditional metrics. In 2014, they had just the 22nd-best ERA in the league (3.80), only to see that number increase in 2015 to 3.91.
Beneath the surface, however, there was hope. In 2015, Dodgers relievers combined to post the fifth-best FIP and eighth-best WAR — leading many to believe that last season would be the year that the unit became one of baseball’s best.
Mission accomplished.
Last season, the Dodgers posted the bullpen ERA (3.35) in baseball, fourth-best FIP (3.55), the most strikeouts (633) and second-best WAR (6.5). All this despite pitching the most innings (590.2) of any bullpen and using 23 different relievers.
Despite all the positivity, however, 2017 remains a mystery. As it stands, the Dodgers return just two of their five most-used relievers from last season in Pedro Baez and Kenley Jansen. Meaning, the bullpen essentially has more questions than answers.
As it stands, the Dodgers have at least nine relievers on the 40-man roster with a reasonable chance of making the Opening Day roster. This, however, doesn’t include possible long-relief options such as Ross Stripling or Alex Wood. Nor does it include any potential signings or trades.
Of the nine, we’ll break them into two groups: those who are guarantees to be with the Dodgers come Opening Day of the 2017 season, and those who currently face real competition.
Guarantees: Pedro Baez, Grant Dayton, Kenley Jansen
The biggest news, of course, was the re-signing of Kenley Jansen to anchor the bullpen — a move made even more mandatory after his performance in the postseason. But beyond Jansen, what exactly do the Dodgers offer?
Baez and Dayton are good bets to be here based on last season’s performance and the trust exhibited in the postseason. Baez was second on the team in innings (74) and appearances (73), while posting a solid 3.04 ERA.
Dayton, on the other hand, was a late addition to the active roster, making just 25 appearances (26.1 innings), while posting a 2.05 ERA with 39 strikeouts.
CONTINUE READING: Chris Hatcher, Adam Liberatore And Other Relievers Battling To Make Roster
