Right-handed Chris Straton Free agents have been elected, according to his trading tracker on MLB.com. The Dodgers have sent him directly to Oklahoma City Triple, saying he cleared the saving throws after being designated as a mission a few days ago. However, he has exercised his right to go to the open market.
Stratton, 34, has been on the Dodgers’ roster in recent weeks. He was released by the royal family a few weeks ago. That leaves Kansas City hanging on the rest of the 8mm deal signed for two years ahead of the 2024 campaign. Any other team can sign him, with the minimum amount paid to him by any time spent on the roster, and the amount is subtracted from the money paid by the royals.
The Dodgers have done it twice in recent weeks. The first resulted in Stratton making two appearances before being assigned as a homework. He was unclaimed on the exemption, elected as a free agent, and then re-signed with them. During his second term, he showed up only once and then received DFA treatment again. As a player with at least five years of service, he can turn down a thorough task and keep his salary commitment.
The Dodgers currently have 14 pitchers on the injured roster and they have been trying various ways to keep employees fresh. They are also the third time competing for balance taxpayers, above the highest line this year, meaning they face 110% tax on any new spending. Therefore, Stratton is perfect for them, as veterans are both cheap and available.
It’s not surprising to see him reunited with the Dodgers again, but he’s now free to discuss opportunities with all the clubs. Los Angeles just got it Michael Copci and Kirby Yates Leaving Illinois may reduce their need to sign Straton for the third time.
Stratton hasn’t performed well lately. He has earned an average run of 6.13 in 79 1/3 innings since signing the above deal with the Royals. His 3-point shooting percentage and 11.9% walking percentage at that time were both below the standard figures, although he has been getting the ground with a healthy 46% cut.
But he does have years of experience as a major league reliefist. From 2020 to 2023, he recorded 255 1/3 innings with a 3.91 ERA, 24.5% strikeout rate, 8.8% walking rate and 41.9% ground ball rate. Since there is no real cost to pick him up, he should get a new deal in the coming days.
Photo courtesy of William Purnell, Image
