Dodgers Sign Former Royals Reliever to Bolster Bullpen

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening their bullpen ahead of the 2024 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed former Kansas City Royals reliever, Josh Staumont. This signing highlights the Dodgers’ continued commitment to building a championship-caliber roster and further solidifies their depth in the relief pitching department. Staumont, a right-handed pitcher known for his impressive fastball and strikeout potential, adds a valuable arm to a bullpen that already boasts a mix of veteran experience and younger talent.

 

Staumont’s journey to the Dodgers has been an intriguing one. He was drafted by the Royals in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft and quickly made a name for himself as a flamethrower with the potential to close games. Over his career with the Royals, Staumont showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with his electric fastball, which has reached speeds upwards of 100 miles per hour. While his raw stuff was never in question, the challenge for Staumont has been consistency, particularly with his control. The reliever has struggled at times with walks, but when he’s on, his combination of velocity and a nasty slider makes him a strikeout machine.

 

During his tenure in Kansas City, Staumont appeared in a variety of roles, from high-leverage situations to middle innings, and even closed out a few games. However, it was clear that his inconsistency prevented him from being a true lockdown closer, a role that the Royals had hoped he might fill. Despite these struggles, Staumont’s potential remained undeniable, and he was a key contributor in the Royals’ bullpen.

 

One of the most intriguing aspects of this signing for the Dodgers is their ability to help pitchers like Staumont refine their game. The Dodgers’ pitching development system is widely regarded as one of the best in the majors, and they have a long history of transforming talented but inconsistent pitchers into reliable contributors. The club’s emphasis on data analytics, combined with their coaching staff’s ability to help pitchers harness their stuff, could unlock the full potential of Staumont’s skillset.

 

For the Dodgers, the bullpen has been a major point of focus in recent years. While their offense has consistently been one of the league’s most potent, the team’s bullpen has often been a source of anxiety. The Dodgers have had their share of high-profile bullpen collapses in recent seasons, and their front office has been proactive in addressing this weakness. Adding Staumont to the mix gives them a power arm with the potential to be a key piece in the late innings.

Staumont’s signing also comes at a time when the Dodgers are looking to maintain their dominance in the National League West. After a strong regular season in 2023, the Dodgers fell short of their ultimate goal, losing in the postseason. The addition of Staumont signals the team’s intent to improve and build a bullpen capable of withstanding the pressures of October baseball. His ability to miss bats and handle high-leverage situations could make him an important part of the Dodgers’ postseason roster if they make it that far.

 

Beyond Staumont’s potential as a power arm, the signing offers the Dodgers much-needed depth. Injuries are always a concern, especially when it comes to pitching, and a deep bullpen can be the difference-maker over the course of a long season. With Staumont in the fold, the Dodgers now have additional options to mix and match in their relief corps, and they can be more flexible in their game planning.

 

Moreover, Staumont’s signing is part of a larger trend in the MLB where teams are increasingly investing in high-velocity relievers. The fastball has become the centerpiece of many modern bullpens, and Staumont’s ability to dial up triple-digit speeds on the radar gun gives the Dodgers an edge in this regard. His slider, often described as a devastating breaking ball, complements his fastball well and gives him a two-pitch arsenal that can be highly effective in one-inning bursts.

 

From Staumont’s perspective, joining the Dodgers represents an opportunity to further his career and reach his full potential. Playing for a team that has consistently been a World Series contender gives Staumont the chance to compete at the highest level and refine his skills in a winning environment. For a player who has yet to fully reach his potential, this could be a career-defining moment.

 

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Dodgers are known for their willingness to spend money to improve their roster. The team’s ownership and front office have demonstrated a commitment to winning, and this acquisition is a clear signal that they are not resting on their laurels after a strong 2023 campaign.

 

As the 2024 season approaches, the Dodgers’ bullpen now looks even stronger, with Staumont providing an exciting, high-upside addition. The team’s ability to blend youth, experience, and raw talent in their pitching staff could help them secure another division title and, ultimately, push them closer to their goal of another World Series championship. Staumont, with his electric stuff, is poised to be a key part of that equation.