Dodgers DFA former All-Star Gonsolin
The Los Angeles Dodgers designated former All-Star right-hander Tony Gonsolin for assignment, the team announced Thursday.
Gonsolin was formerly an important part of the Dodgers' future. A ninth-round draft pick in 2016, he finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2020 after helping L.A. win that year's World Series as a swingman. Gonsolin's best season came in 2022, when he was named an NL All-Star after posting a 2.14 ERA and 0.88 WHIP with 119 strikeouts across 24 starts.
However, his career was derailed by a slew of arm injuries over the last four seasons. Gonsolin spent time on the injured list in both 2022 and '23 with forearm issues, then missed all of 2024 following elbow surgery. Elbow discomfort limited him to just seven starts this past season.
If Gonsolin is claimed, he'll need to be kept on his new team's 40-man roster, as he has no minor-league options remaining. He's projected by MLB Trade Rumors to earn $5.4 million in 2026, his final year of arbitration eligibility.
The 31-year-old owns a 37-13 record with a 3.34 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 387 strikeouts, and 149 walks across 86 big-league appearances (78 starts), all with the Dodgers.
In addition to cutting Gonsolin, the Dodgers selected outfielder/first baseman Ryan Ward and left-hander Robinson Ortiz to their 40-man roster. Outfielder Justin Dean and right-hander Michael Grove were outrighted to the minors.
Dean, who was on L.A.'s playoff roster as a defensive replacement, was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants.
The Dodgers also exercised club options on third baseman Max Muncy ($10 million) and reliever Alex Vesia ($3.65 million).