Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has openly discussed his belief on how unpredictable relief pitching is year to year, and how that’s been a basis for offseason decisions.
Friedman has twice deviated from his long-held philosophy of not extending for a relief pitcher; first re-signing Kenley Jansen to a five-year contract prior to the 2017 season, and more recently inking Joe Kelly to a three-year deal.
Friedman and the Dodgers otherwise have relied on short-term contracts, reclamation projects and prospects in the bullpen.
And though there are marquee relief pitchers available, such as Liam Hendriks and Trevor Rosenthal, the Dodgers are looking at the tier below them, per Jorge Castillo of the L.