Dodgers Sign Matt Sauer to Minor League Deal with Non-Roster Invitation: A Strategic Move for Pitching Depth
In an off-season marked by strategic moves and minor transactions, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a noteworthy signing by adding pitcher Matt Sauer to their ranks with a minor league deal and a non-roster invitation to Spring Training. The move, first reported in early December 2024, is a testament to the Dodgers’ commitment to fostering depth across their pitching staff, even if this particular acquisition does not immediately grab the headlines. While Sauer is not a household name in Major League Baseball, his signing represents a smart, low-risk investment by the Dodgers’ front office, one that could pay dividends in the future as the team looks to maintain its dominance in the National League.
Sauer, a right-handed pitcher, has spent the majority of his professional career within the New York Yankees’ organization, but his path to the majors has been interrupted by injuries and inconsistent performance. The Dodgers, however, see potential in the 25-year-old hurler, who has the tools to make an impact, especially if he can harness his raw stuff and improve his command. By signing Sauer to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to Spring Training, the Dodgers are betting on his upside while avoiding significant financial risk, a strategy they have used with other pitchers in the past to great effect.
Who is Matt Sauer?
Matt Sauer was drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, bringing with him a reputation as a highly talented pitcher with significant upside. At the time of his drafting, Sauer was known for his high-velocity fastball, which could reach the upper-90s, and a sharp-breaking slider that gave him a promising arsenal to work with. These tools made him one of the more intriguing pitching prospects in the Yankees’ farm system. However, despite his strong potential, Sauer’s development has been hampered by a series of setbacks, most notably injuries.
Over the past several seasons, Sauer has had trouble staying on the field. Most recently, in 2021, he missed a significant portion of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. This injury disrupted what could have been an important year for his development, and he has since struggled to regain his prior form. While he has shown flashes of brilliance in the minors, Sauer has been inconsistent, often struggling with his control and failing to fully harness his potential.
In the 2023 season, Sauer was assigned to the Double-A Somerset Patriots, where he posted a 3.68 ERA across 24 starts. His strikeout rate of 9.1 K/9 was a positive sign, but his walk rate of 4.0 BB/9 showed that command issues still plagued his game. Still, his raw talent has not been lost on scouts and executives, which is likely why the Dodgers decided to take a chance on him. If Sauer can stay healthy and refine his command, he could be a valuable depth piece for the team moving forward.
Why the Dodgers are Interested
The Dodgers have long been one of the most successful franchises in baseball, thanks in part to their approach to player development and roster construction. While they have a well-established major league roster, the team has also been known for investing in high-upside players who might not be immediately ready for the big leagues but could become important contributors down the line. The addition of Matt Sauer to their minor league system fits perfectly into this philosophy.
Several key factors make Sauer an intriguing prospect for the Dodgers:
- High Upside and Raw Stuff: Sauer’s fastball and slider combination are the types of pitches that can play well in the majors if he is able to command them consistently. The Dodgers, known for their ability to help pitchers unlock their potential, are betting that they can help him take the next step in his development.
- Depth and Competition: The Dodgers have a deep pitching staff, but much of their success is built on depth. Signing a pitcher like Sauer allows them to add more competition to their system without taking on any significant risk. With injuries a constant concern for pitchers, especially given the grueling nature of a 162-game season, having an extra arm in the system can prove invaluable.
- Injury Recovery and Rehabbing: While Sauer has had trouble staying healthy, the Dodgers have a proven track record when it comes to helping pitchers recover from injuries and reestablish their value. The team has done well with pitchers coming off significant injuries, such as Tommy John surgery, and Sauer could benefit from the team’s medical and rehabilitation programs.
- Developmental Focus: The Dodgers’ player development system is one of the best in baseball. They have the infrastructure to turn raw, talented players into major league contributors. Sauer will be able to tap into that resource, with the hope that he can refine his mechanics, improve his control, and realize his potential as a viable major league pitcher.
- Low-Risk, High-Reward Move: The financial commitment the Dodgers have made to Sauer is minimal, as the contract is for a minor league deal, which allows them to explore his potential without a significant financial investment. If Sauer is unable to make the major league roster, the Dodgers have not lost much, but if he can regain his form, the rewards could be significant. This low-risk, high-reward strategy is one that has paid off for the Dodgers in the past with other pitchers, such as Walker Buehler and Tony Gonsolin, who came through their system and became key contributors to the team’s success.
Sauer’s Path to the Majors
While the Dodgers’ major league roster appears set, especially with the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and the newly acquired pitchers for 2024, the path to the majors for Sauer will likely go through Triple-A. This could give him the opportunity to refine his skills in a lower-pressure environment before making the jump to the big leagues.
To make the major league roster, Sauer will need to work on several areas of his game:
- Improving Control: Sauer has always been able to miss bats, but he has struggled with his command, issuing too many walks and not always locating his pitches effectively. The Dodgers have a reputation for helping pitchers with control issues, and if Sauer can improve his strike zone command, he could make a major leap forward.
- Staying Healthy: Sauer’s ability to stay on the field will be a key factor in his development. Tommy John surgery is a major hurdle for any pitcher, and Sauer will need to prove that he can handle a full season’s workload without recurring injuries.
- Consistency in Execution: While his fastball and slider have been his primary weapons, Sauer has struggled with consistency in executing those pitches. A more consistent delivery and better mechanics would make him more effective against major league hitters, especially as he transitions to facing more advanced competition.
- Confidence and Mental Approach: Development in the minors is not only about physical growth but also mental maturity. Sauer will need to demonstrate the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level, especially if he is called upon in high-leverage situations for the Dodgers.
The Dodgers’ Pitching Depth in 2024
The Dodgers’ pitching depth in 2024 is solid, but it’s always subject to change given injuries or underperformance. With a strong core of starters led by Kershaw and Urías, and a bullpen that includes flamethrowers like Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips, the team is well-equipped for a deep postseason run. Sauer’s addition gives them another option should injuries or struggles arise within their rotation or bullpen.
In terms of the overall pitching strategy, Sauer could start the year in Triple-A, and if he performs well, could be a candidate for a mid-season call-up should the team need an additional arm. His versatility also makes him a potential asset in both long relief and spot-starting roles, which could be useful for the Dodgers’ deep pitching staff.
Conclusion: A Smart Investment for the Dodgers
The Dodgers’ decision to sign Matt Sauer to a minor league deal with a non-roster invite is a classic example of their savvy approach to roster construction. While Sauer may not be an immediate contributor to the major league team, his raw talent, coupled with the Dodgers’ ability to develop pitchers, makes him a high-upside asset for the organization. For a team like the Dodgers, which has built its success on depth and development, this signing adds another layer of pitching talent to their already stacked system.
Sauer may ultimately never make a significant impact for the Dodgers, but given their ability to maximize the potential of pitchers and the low-risk nature of the deal, this move represents a wise investment that could pay off in the future. Whether as a depth piece in Triple-A or an eventual contributor at the major league level, Matt Sauer is now in a position to prove that he can be part of the Dodgers’ next wave of pitching talent.
