Overview of the Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League Free Agents: Drew Avans, Sauryn Lao, and More
As the MLB offseason kicks into gear, teams begin evaluating their minor league systems and deciding which players might be ready to take the next step toward the major leagues. The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team known for its excellent player development and deep farm system, is no exception.
As part of this process, the organization also has to assess its minor league free agents—players whose contracts have expired and who are eligible to sign with any team.
Among the Dodgers’ minor league free agents this year are players who have shown flashes of potential in the system, including Drew Avans, Sauryn Lao, and several others. These players represent a mix of position players and pitchers, each with their unique skill sets and potential pathways to the big leagues. In this overview, we’ll take a closer look at Drew Avans, Sauryn Lao, and a few other notable minor league free agents from the Dodgers system.
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1. Drew Avans: Outfielder with Speed and On-Base Skills
Age: 27
Position: Outfield
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Acquired: 2020 Minor League Free Agent (signed by Dodgers)
Drew Avans is a speed-first outfielder who has spent the past few seasons working his way up through the Dodgers’ minor league system. After being signed as a minor league free agent in 2020, Avans played for various Dodgers affiliates, most notably with Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2023. Avans is known for his excellent on-base skills, his ability to draw walks, and his elite speed, which makes him a dangerous base runner and an asset in the outfield.
In 2023, Avans posted a solid .290/.396/.410 slash line in 133 games at Triple-A, along with 11 home runs, 53 RBIs, and 44 stolen bases. His on-base percentage (OBP) stood out, demonstrating his strong plate discipline. Avans has consistently shown the ability to get on base through walks and by putting the bat on the ball, and his speed allows him to wreak havoc on the base paths.
Avans’ defense is also worth noting. He is capable of playing all three outfield positions, though he’s best suited for center field due to his speed and range. His arm is solid but not elite, which limits his ability to be a prototypical right fielder. While Avans’ bat isn’t likely to produce massive power, he has the ability to provide value in a utility outfield role at the major league level, especially in a team like the Dodgers that values depth and versatility.
Given his age and limited big league experience, the Dodgers might opt to bring Avans back into the fold on a minor league contract, particularly if they see him as a potential depth piece who could contribute off the bench or as a defensive replacement/ pinch-runner.
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2. Sauryn Lao: Catcher with Offensive Upside
Age: 25
Position: Catcher
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Acquired: 2017 International Free Agent (signed by Dodgers)
Sauryn Lao is a catcher with a bat that has the potential to be a difference-maker in the minor leagues. Signed by the Dodgers as an international free agent in 2017, Lao has shown flashes of offensive potential but has struggled with consistency and defensive development. As a catcher, his work behind the plate has been a bit of a mixed bag—while he possesses a strong arm and the potential to control the running game, his receiving skills and pitch framing are still works in progress.
In 2023, Lao spent time with both Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. Over the course of the season, he demonstrated solid power numbers, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 53 RBIs while maintaining a respectable .270/.345/.440 slash line. His offensive profile is intriguing, with the potential for a good combination of power and on-base skills, though his strikeout rate is an area he needs to improve.
The Dodgers have often been willing to gamble on catchers with offensive upside, given their ability to develop pitching staff and defensive skills. Lao is still relatively young for a catcher and could benefit from more seasoning, especially in the defensive department. His bat, however, could make him a useful option in the future, either as a backup catcher or a depth piece in the minors.
Given his youth and offensive upside, the Dodgers might want to retain Lao on a minor league contract, allowing him to continue developing his game. Whether he is able to break into the big league roster as a contributor will depend largely on his progress behind the plate.
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3. Other Minor League Free Agents:
In addition to Avans and Lao, the Dodgers have a handful of other minor league free agents who have been part of the team’s system in recent years. Let’s take a quick look at a few of them:
Nick Robertson: Left-Handed Pitcher
Age: 26
Position: Pitcher
Throws: Left
Acquired: 2016 MLB Draft (7th Round)
Nick Robertson, a left-handed pitcher, has been part of the Dodgers’ minor league system since being drafted in 2016. Robertson spent the 2023 season at Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he worked primarily as a reliever. The southpaw is known for a fastball that can touch the mid-90s, a solid slider, and an improving changeup. Robertson has the ability to miss bats, which made him a standout in the lower levels of the minors, but he has struggled with control at higher levels. In 2023, he posted a 4.41 ERA with a 1.45 WHIP and 66 strikeouts in 57 innings.
Though Robertson has a strong arm and the potential to contribute as a lefty reliever at the major league level, his lack of command and occasional inconsistency could prevent him from reaching that ceiling. The Dodgers may consider bringing him back on a minor league deal
