Dodgers Acquire Right-Handed Pitcher Dylan Baker
Per Chris Cotillo of SB Nation, the Dodgers have acquired right-handed pitcher Dylan Baker from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
Dylan Baker will be turning 26 come Opening Day, and currently occupies the final spot on the Dodgers 40-man roster. Baker spent his first five seasons in the Cleveland Indians organization before being claimed by the Brewers back in November. He was waived by the Brewers two weeks ago and now finds himself in the Dodgers organization.
Baker has had difficulty staying healthy over the course of his minor league career. But he did show promise in 2017 when he threw 12 2/3 innings with a 2.84 ERA and a 10:1 strikeout to walk ratio in Double-A.
Baker has missed time throughout his career with a broken fibula (2014), Tommy John surgery (2015), and right forearm UCL replacement (2016). He owns a career 3.58 ERA in 241 2/3 innings through four different minor league levels. He has yet to pitch above the Double-A level and was drafted in the fifth round in 2012.
The injury history with Baker is a bit concerning given that he’s yet to post a full season together. But his scouting report back in 2012 was promising enough for Andrew Friedman to take a flyer on him.
This move is the definition of low-risk, high-reward for a team that is searching for bullpen arms to replace the void left by Brandon Morrow. Baker doesn’t provide the security Morrow had but he has promise with his fastball ranging from 95-99 MPH.
Baker shared his excitement to join the Dodgers organization and we hope he can put together a healthy season.
Land in Seattle, turn on my phone to find out I’m a Dodger now! Really excited to join @Dodgers. 2018 is already starting out great! Going to be a fun one for sure
— Dylan Baker (@Baker_Co_) January 2, 2018
Join us at Dodgers Nation welcoming Dylan to the Dodger family!
Why doesn’t Friedman just hang it up.. He’s not going to spend any money to make this team better.. Where does the luxury tax money go?
Dylan Baker, does it get any better than this? Who’s next some 45 yr old from the Mexican League? Friedman must think this is his own personal money the team is spending.