Dodgers Lose Out on Another Top Free Agent Reliever, Who Signs With Angels

The Dodgers have missed out on another top reliever who decided to sign with the other team from Los Angeles. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, left-handed pitcher Matt Moore has agreed to sign a one-year, $9 million deal with the Angels.

Moore, 34, has emerged as a top reliever in the last two years. Since 2022, in 126.2 innings, he has a 2.20 ERA, and has struck out 143 batters while walking 53.

The Angels have made quite the effort to bolster their bullpen this offseason. They also locked down right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson on a three-year, $33 million deal, who was another potential Dodgers target. Having a solid bullpen can make up for lackluster starting pitching — an area the Angels still need to address.

For the Dodgers, that makes three relivers and two left-handed relievers who signed elsewhere this offseason. Last week, All-Star closer Josh Hader signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Houston Astros.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has committed significant financial resources to this roster this offseason — more than $1 billion. However, Ricky Vanasco remains the only outside, free-agent bullpen arm added to the roster.

If the Dodgers do not add another left-handed option, the Dodgers will rely on Caleb Ferguson and Alex Vesia this season. Ryan Yarbrough can provide some length, but they have used him mostly in long relief as opposed to high-leverage situations. While they have proven themselves reliable in the past, one more left-handed option would insulate the team from injury or poor performance.

It’s worth noting that James Paxton will fill up the 40-man roster when that signing becomes official, so any move will require further roster manipulation.

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