Dodgers News: Jake McGee signs one-year deal to join club

The Los Angeles Dodgers have added a new pitcher to their roster.

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the signing of veteran reliever Jake McGee earlier today. The 33-year-old lefty was just cut loose by the Rockies after four years in the Mile High City. He was added to the 40-man roster and has a chance to find a spot on the expanded active roster ahead of opening night on Thursday. He will wear #41 for the Dodgers.

The California native has some closing experience from his days in Tampa Bay and in his first season in Colorado. McGee rebounded from an atrocious 2018 with a respectable 2019 campaign, posting a 4.35 ERA over 41.1 innings. He was considerably more effective away from the unfriendly confines of Coors Field, as he posted a sub-three ERA on the road compared to one that approached six at home.

Jake McGee is looking to find a spot in the Dodgers bullpen.

McGee’s not exactly the hard-throwing lefty he was in his Rays’ days with his fastball velocity ranking in just the 56th percentile, per Baseball Savant.

Despite his decline in velocity, he simplified his repertoire into a two-pitch mix. McGee features a slider along with his fastball, which he throws about 20% of the time, and a herky-jerky delivery that can throw off hitters, especially lefties.

He’s always been more effective against lefties but is still serviceable against right-handed batters. All in all, this is a quality, low-risk move by the Dodgers.

Best case scenario he’ll prove another left-handed option in the bullpen to complement Adam Kolarek and Scott Alexander. Worst case scenario he’ll provide low-risk organizational depth with closing experience, as the Rockies are still responsible for the majority of his $9 million salary.

The Dodgers announced the signing after the team posted the surprising news that top prospect Gavin Lux will star the season at USC at the alternate workout site. The team also transferred right-hander Jimmy Nelson to the 45-Day IL.