The Los Angeles Dodgers have declined a $2 million 2021 contract option for RHP Jimmy Nelson. The 31-year-old will receive a $500k buyout and enter free agency this offseason.
The Dodgers announced they’ve declined their 2021 contract option on right-handed pitcher Jimmy Nelson. He is now a free agent.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) October 30, 2020
Starting Pitcher Hits Free Agent Market
Nelson spent the first four seasons of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, showing promise as a developing young starter. In a career season of 2017, he finished ninth in national league Cy Young voting. He tallied 12 wins, sporting a 3.49 ERA with 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings. The Brewers hoped he would anchor the rotation for years to come.
Unfortunately, Nelson’s 2017 season was cut short by a shoulder injury. Since then, he has barely pitched and hasn’t come close to his former dominance. This past offseason, the Dodgers signed Nelson to a one-year deal, hoping to get some 2017-level production to aid the rotation. However, back surgery in early July kept the right-hander sidelined this year. Nelson will now re-enter the free-agent market, hoping that some club will take a chance on a starter that once flashed elite potential.
If he can put his injury issues behind him, Nelson should get some chances to prove he belongs in a big-league rotation. On the mound, he mixes a four-seamer and a sinker with a curveball and a slider. His average four-seam fastball velocity in his brief 2019 run was nearly two miles per hour less than his career average. Additionally, his breaking ball usage was higher than ever in his career. Nelson is worth a look for any ball club that could use pitching help.
As for the Dodgers, this move signifies confidence in the current rotation and the organizational depth to back it up. Whether the front office is patient or aggressive this winter, the team should feel good about their position heading into next year. It will be interesting to observe the organization’s strategy this offseason after a historic championship run.
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