Former Yankees prospect gets new opportunity with Dodgers

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed former Yankees pitcher Matt Sauer to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to their 2025 Spring Training camp, as reported by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel.

Sauer’s journey and the Yankees

Sauer, 25, made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Royals in 2024 after being selected by them in the Rule 5 Draft last December. However, his time with the Royals was short-lived. In 14 MLB relief appearances, Sauer posted a 7.71 ERA, a 2.082 WHIP, 5.0 strikeouts per nine innings, and a -0.2 WAR. By May, the Royals designated him for assignment, and Sauer was subsequently returned to the New York Yankees, where he had spent the first seven years of his professional career.

The Yankees selected Sauer in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, and he was ranked among their top-20 prospects in 2018 and 2019. Despite early promise, Sauer’s reputation declined after the canceled 2020 season disrupted player development. Initially a starting pitcher, Sauer transitioned to a bullpen role in late 2023 during the Arizona Fall League. He excelled in this role with Double-A Somerset in 2024, going 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA in 17 games. However, his performance with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre faltered, as he recorded a 1-2 record and a staggering 16.20 ERA across 10 relief outings.

Fresh start with the Dodgers

Between Low-A, Single-A, High-A, and Double-A, Sauer has compiled a 4.08 ERA and 1.204 WHIP for his minor league career. While his struggles at higher levels have been evident, the Dodgers appear to be betting on his potential as they add depth to their pitching staff. Sauer’s invitation to Spring Training provides him with an opportunity to compete for a spot on the major league roster, showcasing his versatility as both a starter and reliever.

For Sauer, this contract marks a fresh start after a challenging journey through the Yankees’ farm system and a brief stint in the majors with Kansas City. As he prepares to join the Dodgers, his development will be closely watched. The organization hopes he can regain the form that once made him a promising prospect and contribute either at the big-league level or as a valuable depth piece in their system.

Although Sauer’s tenure in New York didn’t culminate in major league success, his efforts to establish himself with the Dodgers could potentially yield positive results.

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