Dodgers Add Veteran Reliever Keynan Middleton on Minor League Deal

The Dodgers just picked up veteran reliever Keynan Middleton on a minor-league deal. It’s a depth move, but if he can find his old form, maybe he sneaks into the big-league bullpen mix. Baseball America’s Matt Eddy first reported the signing.

Los Angeles gets another experienced arm to throw into their already crowded relief picture as spring training creeps closer.

Middleton’s career arc and injury history

Middleton, now 32, hasn’t pitched in the majors for the last two seasons. He managed only four innings in the minors in 2024.

He signed with the Cardinals after a solid 2023 split between the White Sox and Yankees. Then a flexor injury in spring led to surgery, knocking him out for the rest of 2024 and most of 2025.

He popped up late in 2025 with the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League, tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Over seven MLB seasons, Middleton put up a 3.84 ERA in 194 1/3 innings.

He owns a 24.2% strikeout rate, but also a high 10.3% walk rate. His fastball started out around 97 mph, but by 2023 it was closer to 95.5 mph. Still, he got plenty of swings and misses.

• Career ERA: 3.84 in 194 1/3 innings
• Strikeout rate: 24.2%
• Walk rate: 10.3%
• Velocity trend: from 97 mph to ~95.5 mph by 2023
• Injury history: Tommy John (2019) plus biceps, ankle, foot and shoulder issues
• Recent activity: 3 2/3 scoreless innings with the Long Island Ducks (2025)

Injuries have clearly shaped his career. But with his history of missing bats and a shot at a comeback, Middleton might be worth a gamble for a team looking for upside.

What Middleton adds to the Dodgers in 2025 and beyond

He brings a veteran, right-handed presence to a bullpen that already has some established late-inning options. The Dodgers seem set to mix a projected closer with veteran setup men, letting younger guys fill in the gaps.

Edwin Díaz looks like the closer, with Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Alex Vesia as setup options. There are also plenty of optionable arms on the 40-man.

If Middleton’s command and velocity come back, he could carve out a role as a depth piece. Maybe he gives the manager and front office another option for tough spots late in games.

Dodgers bullpen context and the road ahead

The Dodgers always seem to have a deep bullpen, but things change fast. Middleton’s arrival isn’t a lock for the majors, but he’s a real fallback for spring training and could be a big-league option if injuries crop up or a younger reliever struggles.

It sure looks like Los Angeles is doubling down on depth and competition this year. They want lots of ways to keep the bullpen strong, especially early in the season.

Bottom line: ceiling, risk and what it means for LA

Middleton’s risk comes mostly from his long injury history and the dip in his velocity. If he manages to get back even a bit of his old fastball and command, he could push for a major-league spot.

He might even help out in multi-inning stretches when things get tense. If that doesn’t happen, he’s still a decent spring-training option and a solid veteran for depth.

The Dodgers, as always, are juggling the now and the future, and Middleton fits into that puzzle somewhere—maybe not as a star, but possibly as a useful piece.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers Sign Keynan Middleton To Minor League Deal