Among the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top priorities this offseason include bolstering the bullpen and adding a right-handed bat. In what has been a quiet free agency thus far for most of the league, the club’s only notable move to this point was acquiring former Milwaukee Brewers closer Corey Knebel.
While it has taken some time for the hot stove to heat up, the Dodgers have remained active on the fringes of the roster, recently signing former L.A. Angels infielder Elliot Soto to a Minor League contract.
Earlier this month, the club also brought back a few familiar faces in Brandon Morrow, Brock Stewart and Jimmy Nelson. It now appears they have reunited with another former member of the organization.
Tim Federowicz, who began his MLB career with the Dodgers in 2011, announced on Twitter that he has returned for the 2021 season:
I’m back in Dodger blue! So excited to be back with the team that first gave me chance to reach my dream of playing in the MLB. Year 14 and counting.
— Tim Federowicz (@FedX19) December 16, 2020
Federowicz, 33, was initially acquired by the Dodgers in 2011 as part of a three-team trade that included Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. He made his MLB debut later that season and went on to spend the next three years with the organization.
Federowicz appeared in 89 games for the Dodgers from 2011-14, hitting .194/.247/.300 with 11 doubles, five home runs and 22 RBI across 271 plate appearances.
His first stint with the Dodgers came to an end when he was sent to the San Diego Padres in the December 2014 blockbuster trade that centered around Matt Kemp and Yasmani Grandal.
Federowicz has since seen time with the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers. He last appeared in a MLB game in 2019 with the Rangers and was part of their player pool for the 2020 season.
Dodgers reportedly showing interest in Ryne Stanek
With a desire to improve the bullpen, the Dodgers have been linked to top free-agent Liam Hendricks, who served as the Oakland Athletics closer the past two seasons.
The club has also shown interest in former Miami Marlins reliever Ryne Stanek, who is coming off a disappointing 2020 campaign. He previously found success with the Tampa Bay Rays and was drafted by Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman in 2013.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
