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In an offseason full of silence from the Dodgers front office, there is finally something to chatter about. The Dodgers signed right-handed pitcher Jimmy Nelson for a one year with an option in 2021, per Jorge Castillo with the Los Angeles Times.
The Dodgers and Jimmy Nelson have agreed to a deal. It’s for one year plus a vesting mutual option. He’s guaranteed to make a little over $1 million in 2020 but could make over $3 million if healthy.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) January 7, 2020
The Brewers failed to sign him to a deal in December, making Nelson a free agent. Nelson missed the entirety of the 2018 season with a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder. In 2019, he only pitched in 10 games as he dealt with an elbow injury.
If Nelson can stay healthy in 2020, he has the opportunity to make an extra buck or two.
Nelson can earn another $1.5M in 2020 performance bonuses based on innings pitched, and the deal also includes roster bonues: $1M if he’s on the 2020 Opening Day roster; $500k for 45 days on the active roster; $500k for 90 days on the active roster.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) January 7, 2020
He joins an interesting Dodgers team, where he might have the opportunity to split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen. His role may, however, look similar to that of Julio Urías from last season, where he spent a majority of the time as a reliever, but had the capability to spot start to give some starters a rest. Now, according to Castillo, he can win a spot in the starting rotation with his performance in spring training.
Some other contract details:
Nitty gritty contract details for Jimmy Nelson with the Dodgers, per APhttps://t.co/4op1AcUWcs pic.twitter.com/oHM57rnyRU
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) January 8, 2020
It’s a long offseason, so let’s hope this builds momentum for the Dodgers front office to make more deals.