Dodgers Rumors: Sergio Romo Drawing Interest

Prior to the Winter Meetings beginning, free agent reliever Andrew Miller was taken off the market as he signed a record deal for a setup man with the New York Yankees. The Los Angeles Dodgers were believed to be among the teams interested in Miller, but how aggressively they may have pursued him is unclear.

With Miller no longer available and the Dodgers looking to shore up the bullpen, they’re among the teams to have expressed interest in Sergio Romo, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick:

Sergio Romo's market is starting to heat up. #Dodgers, #yankees and #redsox all have interest.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 10, 2014

Romo’s opportunity to become the San Francisco Giants’ closer was created when Brian Wilson underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012 and eventually signed with the Dodgers in 2013. Romo finished with 38 saves, a 2.54 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in his first year as the team’s closer, but struggled last season.

The 31 year old went through a rough stretch that included three blown saves in five appearances at the end of June, which led to him being stripped of the closer’s role. Romo only recorded one save the rest of the way, but managed to earn 10 holds with three wins and just one loss from July through September.

Once the postseason rolled around, Romo was nails for the Giants as he went 1-1 with four holds, 1.29 ERA and 0.86 WHIP. Romo’s postseason ERA was the lowest of his career and his WHIP was the second-lowest

The Dodgers’ experience in taking a reliever from the Giants has come with mixed results. Wilson was an effective option for them in 2013, but was one of multiple relievers who struggled last year.

With Pat Neshek reportedly agreeing to terms with the Houston Astros on Wednesday, the pool of relievers continues to decrease, which may force the Dodgers hand on taking a risk.