The Dodgers are keeping it in the family - literally.
Los Angeles has signed right-handed pitcher Ryder Ryan to a minor league deal, bringing him into the same organization as his younger brother, River Ryan, a promising arm already within the Dodgers’ system. If Ryder makes it to the big leagues, he’ll earn $800,000, but the bigger story might be what this means for both brothers - and for a Dodgers bullpen that could use some reinforcements.
For River, the signing is more than just a roster move - it’s a reunion. “I’m excited to get out to big league camp and be on the same team again,” he said.
“Last time we were on the same team was in high school. It’s really cool to be able to be on a team like the Dodgers with your brother.”
River didn’t hesitate to hype up his sibling’s arsenal, either. “He’s got a sinker, a good cutter, working on a changeup right now, which I think is gonna be one of his better pitches, has a good slider. I think the Dodgers are going to really like what they see in him.”
And there’s reason to believe he might be right.
Ryder Ryan has taken a winding road to get here - one that’s included multiple organizations and a handful of big-league appearances. Drafted by Cleveland back in 2016, he was traded to the Mets just a year later in exchange for three-time All-Star Jay Bruce.
He spent several seasons in the Mets’ system before being dealt to the Rangers in 2020. Then came a stop in Seattle, where he made his MLB debut in 2023, tossing a clean inning with two strikeouts in his lone appearance.
That brief taste of the majors was followed by a more extended look in Pittsburgh. In 2024, Ryder appeared in 15 games for the Pirates, logging 20.2 innings with 17 strikeouts and a 5.66 ERA. While the ERA wasn’t ideal, the experience was valuable - and he showed flashes of a pitcher who could contribute in the right situation.
Last season, he stayed in the Pirates’ system, spending the entire year at Triple-A. Over 42 appearances, he posted a 4.73 ERA and notched a career-high eight wins - a sign that he was not only logging innings but doing enough to stay on the radar.
Now, with the Dodgers looking to bolster a bullpen that faltered down the stretch in 2025, Ryder Ryan comes in as a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition. At 30 years old, he brings veteran experience and a varied pitch mix that could make him a valuable depth piece - especially if he continues to refine that changeup his brother is so high on.
Spring training will be a key proving ground. The Dodgers have several bullpen spots up for grabs, and if Ryder shows well in camp, he could find himself pitching meaningful innings in Chavez Ravine before long.
And who knows - we might just see the Ryan brothers sharing the mound in L.A. this season.