The Dodgers are welcoming back right-handed reliever Yency Almonte on a minor league deal. This marks Almonte's second go-round with Los Angeles, where he previously showcased his talents in 2022-23.
During that stint, he pitched 83 1/3 innings with a respectable 3.35 ERA, striking out 23.9% of batters while walking 11.9%. Almonte's performance was a tale of two seasons: a dazzling 1.02 ERA over 35 1/3 innings in 2022, followed by a challenging 5.06 ERA across 48 innings in 2023.
In a 2024 trade, Almonte was sent to the Cubs along with Michael Busch, with the Dodgers receiving prospects Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris. Hope is currently making waves as Baseball America's No. 63 prospect, though neither has debuted in the majors yet.
Almonte's time with the Cubs didn’t quite pan out as expected. He managed a 3.45 ERA in 2024 but was sidelined for much of the season due to a shoulder strain, pitching only 15 2/3 innings. After being waived and electing free agency, he returned to the Cubs on a minor league contract but was again hampered by injuries, logging just 19 1/3 innings in 2025.
Over his MLB career, Almonte has pitched 223 innings with a 4.44 ERA, a 22.5% strikeout rate, and a 9.9% walk rate. His early years with the Rockies were rocky, posting a 5.30 ERA, but he found more success outside of Coors Field, boasting a 3.36 ERA in 99 innings since his departure. His velocity dipped with the Cubs, dropping about two mph from his time with the Dodgers, where he consistently hit around 96 mph with his fastball and sinker.
While the Dodgers' bullpen, featuring talents like Edwin Diaz, Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Alex Vesia, is already stacked, Almonte's experience could be a valuable asset. He'll have a chance to compete for a spot in spring training, and if not, he provides seasoned depth for their Triple-A team in Oklahoma City.