According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer to a minor league deal. The contract includes an invitation to the Dodgers’ big league spring training camp.

RHP Matt Sauer has a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, per source. The offer includes an invitation to spring training.

The 25-year-old was a Major League Rule 5 pick by the Royals last year and a second-round pick by the Yankees in the 2017 draft.

— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) December 16, 2024

Sauer, 25, was a former New York Yankees prospect. He was selected by the Yankees in the second round of the 2017 draft.

The right-hander made his major league debut with the Kansas City Royals in March last year. After a solid performance in the minor leagues during the 2023 season, Sauer was selected by the Royals in the Rule 5 Draft.

In 14 appearances in the Kansas City bullpen, Sauer posted a 7.71 ERA and recorded just nine strikeouts and 11 walks in 16.1 innings. After struggling in the major leagues, Sauer was sent back to New York in May due to provisions of the Rule 5 draft.

After Sauer returned to the minors, the right-hander split the season between the Yankees’ Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. During his time at Double-A Somerset, Sauer had a 2.63 ERA.

When Sauer reached Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he was struggling with a 16.20 ERA. He allowed 15 runs in 8.1 innings. After his struggles in Triple-A, he was demoted to Somerset in July.

Sauer was eligible for minor league free agency because the Yankees did not sign him to the 40-man roster in November. Although Sauer struggled during his time in the majors, the Dodgers have a reputation for turning players into stars.

A recent example is reliever Anthony Banda, who was an MLB journeyman in his first eight seasons but emerged as a star in the Dodgers’ bullpen.

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