Dodgers Sign Former Cardinals Closer with 3.49 ERA for $2.5 Million

Getty Giovanny Gallegos pitching agains the Miami Marlins in April of 2024.

While all of MLB is in a holding pattern, anxiously awaiting the Juan Soto sweepstakes outcome, the Los Angeles Dodgers are adding along the margins. Giovanny Gallegos is joining the World Champions on a minor-league deal.

Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors was first with reports.

“Gallegos would earn a $2.5M base salary for making the big league roster with another $1.5M available in incentives,” Adams wrote in a subsequent tweet. “Contract also includes three opt out dates.”

Gallegos spent the last seven seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Once their closer, he played a relief role in 2024.

Los Angeles is banking on a strong offseason from Gallegos, whose production dipped last season. He recorded a 6.57 ERA in his 21 appearances, allowing 6 home runs in 20.2 innings pitched.

Adams reports that Gallegos has made some strides since the season ended, working on his “lower half mechanics.”

“He has spent the offseason working to correct lower half mechanics and has regained a couple ticks on his fastball,” he tweeted.

After winning the World Series handily over the New York Yankees, less may be more for the Dodgers. Outside of a potential blockbuster swing for Soto, don’t look for too many big names to make their way to Los Angeles.

This story will be updated.