Aug 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Yency Almonte (38) throws to the plate in the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports

Yency Almonte Being Traded To Cubs

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | By Blake Williams | Last updated 1/11/24

The Los Angeles Dodgers face a roster crunch and already had to designate Bryan Hudson for assignment before trading him to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Although it’s a good problem to have, the Dodgers have been faced with some tough decisions on who to remove from their 40-man roster. With Teoscar Hernández set to join the team, another 40-man spot was needed with no obvious options available on who to waive.

However, the Dodgers have found a solution. According to Juan Toribio of MLB.com , the Dodgers are working on a deal to send Yency Almonte to the Chicago Cubs:

Hearing #Dodgers are working on a trade that will send Yency Almonte to the Cubs.

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) January 11, 2024

The return has not yet been reported, but it figures to be someone not on the 40-man roster, such as a Minor Leaguer or cash considerations.

Almonte previously signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers worth $1.9 million to avoid arbitration.

After becoming a key member of the Dodgers bullpen in 2022, Almonte labored through an inconsistent year and eventually landed on the 15-day injured list because of a right knee sprain.

There was hope the right-hander would return in time for the postseason, but his projected return slipped further into October and was going to require the Dodgers to advance to the National League Championship Series.

Despite the knee injury that prevented Almonte from pitching after the middle of August, he still appeared in a career-high 49 games during the 2023 season. Almonte finished the season going 3-2 with a 5.06 ERA and 1.40 WHIP.

Amid his down season, Almonte used the year as a learning experience and expressed his excitement for the 2024 season.

Dodgers relievers after Yency Almonte trade

With Almonte no longer in the fold, the Dodgers still have a deep bullpen that includes Caleb Ferguson, J.P. Feyereisen, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove, Kyle Hurt, Joe Kelly, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, Ricky Vanasco, Gus Varland, Alex Vesia and Ryan Yarbrough.

Daniel Hudson is in the mix as well on a Minor League deal. They have also expressed interest in bringing Ryan Brasier back to the club.

This article first appeared on Dodger Blue and was syndicated with permission.

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