The Los Angeles Dodgers signed right-hander Giovanny Gallegos to a minor league deal, per Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors. Gallegos was the former closer for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Source: former #STLCards closer Giovanny Gallegos is signing with the #Dodgers on a minor league deal with spring training invite.
— Steve Adams (@Adams_Steve) November 23, 2024
Gallegos will receive an invitation to the Dodgers’ big league spring training camp. The right-hander would earn a $2.5 million base salary for making the big league roster. Gallegos can also earn another $1.5 million in incentives.
Gallegos has spent the offseason working to correct lower half mechanics and has also regained a few ticks on his fastball.
In 2024, the right-hander posted a 6.53 ERA with a 2-1 record. Gallegos punched 21 strikeouts in 20.2 innings pitched.
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The veteran pitcher has spent time with just the New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals throughout his eight seasons in MLB. Gallegos has donned a Cardinals uniform since 2018.
Gallegos is best known for his remarkable performance out of the St. Louis bullpen from 2019-22, when he posted a 2.84 ERA, 32 percent strikeout rate, and 6.6 percent walk rate over 228.1 innings.
In October 2022, Gallegos signed a two-year, $11 million extension with the Cardinals following his strong performance.
In 2023, the right-hander’s performance regressed as Gallegos posted a 4.42 ERA that season. Additionally, his strikeout rate dropped and his home runs totals increased.
Gallegos spent just over six weeks on the injured list in 2024 because of a shoulder impingement. Due to his injury and performance struggles, Gallegos made his departure from St. Louis as the Cardinals designated hime for assignment. The right-hander then elected free agency.