The Los Angeles Dodgers have been busy this offseason, and while the headline moves-signing Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz-grabbed most of the attention, the front office has quietly been building out the kind of depth that championship teams rely on when the grind of a 162-game season starts to take its toll.
That depth-building continued with the addition of left-hander Cole Irvin, who agreed to a Minor League deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training. It’s a low-risk move for the Dodgers, but one that could pay dividends down the line-especially given how unpredictable pitching depth can be over the course of a long season.
Irvin, who just turned 32, is back stateside after a year in the Korean Baseball Organization with the Doosan Bears. He made 28 starts in 2025, logging 144.2 innings with a 4.48 ERA, 128 strikeouts, and 79 walks. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they reflect a pitcher who can eat innings and keep his team in games-traits that are valuable, especially when injuries inevitably hit a rotation.
Before heading overseas, Irvin pitched in parts of six MLB seasons with the Phillies, Athletics, Orioles, and Twins. Across 134 games (93 starts), he compiled a 28-40 record with a 4.54 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. He’s not a frontline guy, but he’s been around the block and knows how to navigate a big-league lineup.
This move fits into the broader pattern of what the Dodgers have done this winter: stockpiling experienced arms with the potential to contribute when needed. Irvin joins a group that includes Carlos Duran, Nick Frasso, Nick Robertson, and Chuckie Robinson-all brought back on Minor League deals-as well as Ryder Ryan, who was recently signed and happens to be the older brother of Dodgers prospect River Ryan.
As for Irvin’s chances of cracking the Opening Day roster? It’s an uphill climb.
The Dodgers’ rotation is deep, and the 40-man roster is already packed with talent. But injuries happen, and if Irvin shows well in camp, he could find himself in the mix for a call-up later in the season.
Alternatively, a strong spring could catch the eye of another club with more immediate needs, potentially giving him a shot elsewhere.
There’s also the possibility that Irvin starts the year with Triple-A Oklahoma City, providing a veteran presence and staying ready in case the Dodgers need reinforcements. Many Minor League contracts include opt-out clauses that let players pursue other opportunities if they’re not added to the big-league roster by a certain date, so the clock could be ticking depending on how things shake out in March.
Bottom line: this is a classic Dodgers move-smart, calculated, and focused on building a safety net for the long haul. Irvin may not be a household name, but in a sport where depth often determines October success, he’s exactly the kind of player who could end up playing a bigger role than expected.