Former Dodgers Outfielder Signs With NL West Rival

This ex-Dodger is joining up with a division rival...

According to multiple reports, former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Garlick has inked a minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

The market for Garlick was not a great one. Based on the number of high-priced guys still out on the market, mixed with notable ones who signed early, fringe big leaguers with minimal experience aren't always prioritized. 

With that being said, Arizona opted to take a chance on both Garlick and Albert Almora. Both outfielders have varying levels of success with MLB clubs. Strong Spring Training periods may enable one of -- if not both Almora and Garlick to latch on with the Diamondbacks or perhaps another club (whether Stateside or not). 

The Diamondbacks have signed OF Albert Almora and OF Kyle Garlick to minor league deals with invites to spring training, the team announced.

— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) February 23, 2024

Die-hard Dodgers fans likely will remember Garlick. A native of Southern California (Chino Hills), he was drafted by the organization out of Cal Poly Pomona in the 28th Round of the 2015 MLB Draft. 

After four years of toiling away in the Minor Leagues, Garlick did get his shot to debut in 2019 with the Dodgers. At the time, he was known for his ability to hit the baseball. Garlick steadily rose through the system with some big numbers -- and was even an All-Star selection in AA. 

When finally making it to the Major Leagues, Garlick was mostly used as a reserve outfielder for the Dodgers. In 30 games with the club as a 27-year-old, he hit .250 in 53 plate appearances with three HRs and six RBIs.

Upon acquiring Mookie Betts and David Price from the Red Sox, Garlick was released. He played one year with the Phillies before playing parts of the last three with the Minnesota Twins.