The Los Angeles Dodgers signed right-hander Giovanny Gallegos to a minor league deal, per Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors. Gallegos was the former closer for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Gallegos will receive an invitation to the Dodgers’ big league spring training camp. The right-hander would earn a $2.5 million base salary for making the big league roster. Gallegos can also earn another $1.5 million in incentives.
Gallegos has spent the offseason working to correct lower half mechanics and has also regained a few ticks on his fastball.
In 2024, the right-hander posted a 6.53 ERA with a 2-1 record. Gallegos punched 21 strikeouts in 20.2 innings pitched.
The veteran pitcher has spent time with just the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals throughout his eight seasons in MLB. Gallegos has donned a Cardinals uniform since 2018.
Gallegos is best known for his remarkable performance out of the St. Louis bullpen from 2019-22, when he posted a 2.84 ERA, 32 percent strikeout rate, and 6.6 percent walk rate over 228.1 innings.
In October 2022, Gallegos signed a two-year, $11 million extension with the Cardinals following his strong performance.
In 2023, the right-hander’s performance regressed as Gallegos posted a 4.42 ERA that season. Additionally, his strikeout rate dropped and his home runs totals increased.
Gallegos spent just over six weeks on the injured list in 2024 because of a shoulder impingement. Due to his injury and performance struggles, Gallegos made his departure from St. Louis as the Cardinals designated hime for assignment. The right-hander then elected free agency.
