Minor League Move: Giovanny Gallegos Signs With…

While the Los Angeles Dodgers have been connected to the top free agents available, their front office additionally has looked to fill out the organization’s depth through Minor League signings.

Among their additions thus far are Joe Jacques, Justin Jarvis and former top prospect Aaron Bracho. None of the three are currently taking up a spot on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.

That’s of importance as the Dodgers look to fill out needs on their Major League roster, which seemingly was a factor behind their decision to non-tender Brent Honeywell and Zach Logue.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers also have signed Giovanny Gallegos to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league camp for 2025 Spring Training, according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors.

Gallegos is coming off a down season with the St. Louis Cardinals that saw him designated for assignment and released in August. He went on to sign a Minor League contract with the Minnesota Twins but remained with their Triple-A St. Paul affiliate.

While with the Cardinals this year, the right-hander went 2-1 with one save, a 6.53 ERA, 6.34 FIP and 1.65 WHIP across 21 appearances. That came after pitching to a 4.42 ERA in 56 games during the 2023 season.

Gallegos’ struggles with the Cardinals this year included surrendering six home runs in just 20.2 innings pitched, and having career-worst marks with a 22.3% strikeout rate and 10.6% walk rate.

The 32-year-old missed six weeks during May and June because of a right shoulder impingement. Gallegos was somewhat improved after returning, as he sported a 2.31 ERA and 3.66 FIP while allowing batters to hit .233/.283/.395 in eight appearances.

The Dodgers reportedly had interest in Gallegos at the time he was DFA’d.

Will Giovanny Gallegos be in Dodgers bullpen?

By signing Gallegos to a Minor League contract, there isn’t any immediate pressure on the Dodgers to make a decision on his outlook for the 2025 season.

A strong showing during Spring Training could lead to earning a spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster as their bullpen currently projects to be without Daniel Hudson, Blake Treinen and Joe Kelly.

Hudson retired, while Treinen and Kelly are both free agents. Furthermore, Brusdar Graterol will miss at least the first four months of the 2025 season while he recovers from right shoulder surgery.