Clayton Kershaw is expected to be one of five starters in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation this season. One of the most important things for a good baseball team is to have a very good bullpen.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has often relied on bullpen games during his tenure, including in the 2024 postseason when L.A. captured another World Series title. This offseason, the Dodgers made key additions to bolster their relief corps, and on paper, they once again boast one of the best rosters in baseball.
Dodgers Starter Clayton Kershaw Speaks Out About L.A.’s Bullpen
Kershaw spoke on the latest “Foul Territory” podcast. One of the things he discussed was the Dodgers bullpen for the upcoming 2025 season. Two of the key relief pitchers they signed this offseason were Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott.
Yates signed a one-year deal worth $13 million. As for Scott, he signed a four-year deal worth $72 million. Kershaw said about the bullpen this upcoming season, “On paper, it’s pretty special. You know, now we got to go play, obviously, that’s the biggest thing. But yeah, if you look at the back of the baseball cards of a lot of these guys, it should be pretty special.
“You know, and now every year’s different. You know, some guy that was good last year doesn’t mean they’re going to be good necessarily this year. But overall, you got to bet on it and like you said, the guys we brought into the bullpen, the guys we have coming back, even some of the young guys that are throwing the ball real well for us in the pen. It’s an exciting time to be a Dodger for sure,” Kershaw said.
“We got a lot going on. There’s a lot that can happen. Andrew [Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations,] did a great job. We definitely have a surplus this year.”
Yates is expected to be a key arm out of the bullpen this season, while Scott is projected to take over as the team’s closer.
Last season, Yates pitched for the Texas Rangers, posting a 7-2 record with a 1.17 ERA. Scott, meanwhile, spent 2024 with the San Diego Padres, where he went 3-1 with a 2.73 ERA.
The Dodgers also return several reliable arms, including Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia. Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips will also be in the mix for key innings. With a strong mix of veterans and young talent, Kershaw’s assessment appears accurate — the Dodgers may have one of the best bullpens in baseball once again.