Dodgers and Free Agent Pitcher Alex Reyes in Agreement on One Year Contract

The deal is expected to be official once the pitcher passes a physical.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and right-handed pitcher Alex Reyes have come to an agreement on a new deal. This is a one-year, $1.1 million deal that includes a $3 million club option in 2024.

Dodgers beat reporter, Juan Toribio tweeted out details of the deal:

#Dodgers and former All-Star closer Alex Reyes are in agreement on a one-year, $1.1 million deal that includes a $3 million club option in 2024, per source. The deal, which is pending physical, is loaded with performance bonuses that could make the deal be worth up to $10 million

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) February 11, 2023

The 28-year-old was one of the top pitching prospects in baseball before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2017. He missed the entire 2017 season and struggled upon his return in 2018, but he showed flashes of his former self in 2019 and 2020. During the shortened pandemic season, he ended with a 2–1 record, a 3.20 ERA, and 27 strikeouts in 19 innings. 

Reyes was ultimately non-tendered by the St. Louis Cardinals in November, making him a free agent.

Coming to Los Angeles, the Dodgers see Reyes as a potential high-strikeout reliever or even a starter if he can regain his pre-surgery form. Reyes has a fastball that has touched 100 mph, along with a strong slider and changeup. 

Because the pitcher missed the entire 2022 season with a right shoulder injury, he’ll likely miss at least a few months this season as well. If he can stay healthy and regain his form, he is capable of becoming a dominant pitcher in the late innings, or he could emerge as a front-line starter.

Reyes will join a talented Dodgers pitching staff that includes Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Dustin May. The addition of Reyes is a solid move for LA, as they are always looking for ways to improve their championship-winning team. 

The clubhouse is hopeful that Reyes will be one key contributor to the team's success in the upcoming season. The deal is expected to be official once Reyes passes a physical.