The Los Angeles Dodgers are making waves in the baseball world, and it’s not just about their high-profile signings. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman’s recent assertion that the roster is ‘largely set,’ the team continues to quietly bolster its depth. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the big names; it’s about strategic, under-the-radar moves that could pay dividends down the line.
During a press conference introducing Kyle Tucker at Dodger Stadium, Friedman hinted at ongoing conversations aimed at enhancing the team’s depth. ‘There’s some things we’re kicking around,’ he said, downplaying the likelihood of ‘seismic changes.’ Yet, since those comments, the Dodgers have been anything but dormant. They recently signed Ryder Ryan to a Minor League contract, a move that flew under the radar but aligns with Friedman’s philosophy of building organizational strength, particularly in pitching.
But here’s the controversial part: while Ryder Ryan’s signing might seem minor, it’s part of a larger pattern that raises questions. Are the Dodgers overloading on depth, or are they masterfully preparing for the unpredictable nature of a long season? And what does this mean for players like Kiké Hernández, whose status remains uncertain?
Adding to this strategy, the Dodgers have now inked left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin to a Minor League deal, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Irvin, a seasoned MLB veteran, comes with a non-roster invite to Spring Training, signaling the team’s intent to evaluate his potential impact.
Irvin’s journey to the Dodgers is a testament to perseverance. Drafted three times—first by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012, then by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2015, and finally by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016—he chose to pursue college before making his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2019. His career has since taken him to the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, and even the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), where he spent the 2025 season with the Doosan Bears.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Irvin’s KBO stint saw him used exclusively as a starter, posting an 8-12 record with a 4.48 ERA. But is this enough to translate back to MLB success? The Dodgers seem to think so, or at the very least, they’re willing to take a calculated risk.
Over six MLB seasons, Irvin holds a 28-40 record with a 4.54 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 134 games (93 starts). His career-high 32 starts came in 2021 with the A’s, but his most recent MLB action was a mix of starts and relief appearances with the Orioles and Twins in 2024.
So, what does this mean for the Dodgers? Are they simply stacking depth, or is there a hidden gem in Irvin’s skill set that Friedman and his team see? And here’s the thought-provoking question: In an era where teams are increasingly reliant on high-velocity arms, is there still a place for a crafty left-hander like Irvin?
As the Dodgers continue to fine-tune their roster, one thing is clear: they’re leaving no stone unturned. Whether these moves pay off remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—the Dodgers are playing the long game. What do you think? Is this a smart strategy, or are they spreading themselves too thin? Let us know in the comments!
