Dodgers Rumors: LA in talks with starting pitcher Kevin Gausman

The hot stove is starting to heat up as the Dodgers are reportedly in talks with former Reds’ starting pitcher Kevin Gausman.

The Dodgers have suddenly become active according to MLB insider Bob Nightengale. In addition to already having met with Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon, the Dodgers are also in talks with former first-round pick Kevin Gausman.  Gausman was the fourth overall pick in the 2012 draft and spent the 2019 season with the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.

The Baltimore Orioles selected Kevin Gausman in the 2012 draft and from 2014-2016 he put together a solid stretch especially when you consider he pitched in the American League East which has traditionally been a heavy-hitting division.  Since 2018, Gausman has spent time with the Orioles, Braves, and Reds.

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Kevin Gausman is a starting pitcher although he has pitched well in relief which may be the role the Dodgers would use him in.  This season, Gausman pitched to an ERA of 5.72 but he was better in relief allowing an ERA of 3.10 while limiting the opposition to a .240 average against.  The former starter throws on a fastball, changeup, splitter, and slider although he abandoned the changeup in the second half.

Gausman averages 94 MPH on his fastball and primarily relied on his fastball and splitter in 2019.  He threw his fastball over 50% of the time and his splitter around 40% of the time last season. The Reds were said to have interest in bringing Gausman back but they are also expected to make a run at Zack Wheeler.

After signing Joe Kelly to a hefty contract last off-season it is unlikely that the Dodgers make another marquee addition at reliever.  Kevin Gausman could be their low-risk high-reward signing for the bullpen as they attempt to get better at the back end of the pen.  The Dodgers non-tendered Yimi Garcia on Monday and currently have an open roster spot on their forty man roster.