Former Cards closer Gallegos headed to Dodgers on Minors deal (report)

November 24th, 2024

The Dodgers and veteran right-handed reliever have agreed to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training, according to an MLB Trade Rumors report. The club has not confirmed the deal.

Gallegos, 33, was excellent for the Cardinals from 2019-22, when he had a 2.84 ERA and 32% strikeout rate out of the bullpen for St. Louis. After signing a two-year extension, his performance declined -- in 2023, he posted a 4.42 ERA over 56 appearances, and he was released on Aug. 2 of last season after struggling to a 6.53 ERA over his first 21 outings.

The Twins signed Gallegos to a Minor League contract four days later, but he never reached the Majors with Minnesota.

According to the MLB Trade Rumors report, Gallegos has been working to fix his mechanics and has regained some velocity on his fastball. The Dodgers have a track record of helping struggling pitchers right the ship, and if they can do the same with Gallegos, it could prove to be a low-cost, high-upside move to bolster the bullpen for the defending World Series champions.