Andrew Friedman Reveals Past Injury Issues Propelled Dodgers Blockbuster Offseason Moves
The Los Angels Dodgers pitching staff experienced one of the most injury-filled seasons in the modern-era of baseball last year. A total of 12 Dodgers pitchers landed on the injured list in 2024, and the myriad injuries left L.A. with only three starting pitchers and an overworked bullpen come October.
The frightening number of injuries actually propelled the Dodgers front office to sign an abundance of pitching talent this winter. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman explained why the Dodgers acted with a sense of urgency throughout the offseason.
“I’m sure some of [our past injury problems] created some of the mindset this offseason,” Friedman said, via Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times. “Just to be as prepared as we possibly could be.”
The Dodgers signed two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, international phenom Roki Sasaki, relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, and re-signed veteran southpaw Clayton Kershaw and reliever Blake Treinen in a matter of three months.
The result of the Dodgers’ historic offseason left baseball fans groaning and grumbling, but the defending champions were not trying to taunt other teams. The Dodgers aggressive pursuits of pitching talent this winter was out of necessity, not mockery.
Although the Dodgers managed to win the World Series with three starters and an overtaxed bullpen, it was not a situation the team hopes to find itself in again come October. Therefore, the defending champions made sure to bring in enough reinforcements.
“We sat here in spring training last year and said, ‘Oh we’ve got so much pitching depth, we’re definitely not going to go to market in July for pitching,’” Friedman said. “Fast forward to July and we’re in the market for pitching.”
The Dodgers had to address their needs going into ’25. It was a small miracle that several starers, relievers along with timely hitting, smart base running and excellent fielding propelled them to the WS championship. In the postseason, the hot team usually conquers all. The Dodgers entered the postseason with serious pitching issues and injuries. Give the ’24 Dodgers credit where credit is due.