Dodgers News: LA signs reliever, Chris Woodward to front office, James Outman

The Los Angeles Dodgers offseason remains quiet, but that's because most fans are used to blockbuster activity throughout. This year's been very different, as the organization seemingly looks to reset the payroll to get under the luxury tax threshold. You're sick of hearing that, but it's the truth.

As you wait for "The Big One," don't miss the little moves and tidbits in between. How could you overlook the Dodgers signing free agent reliever Tyler Cyr over the weekend?! Are you not a fan? Do we have to question your commitment?

In what seems to be another classic Dodgers gamble, Cyr was signed to a minor-league deal. The 29-year-old has limited MLB experience (12 games), but it appears as if a couple of injuries, as well as the lost 2020 season, really hurt him. He was on track to be at Triple-A in 2020, but instead debuted there in 2021 after a full year off.

It didn't go well. He finished with a 4.91 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, but logged 49 strikeouts in 36.2 innings. He's spent most of his career with the San Francisco Giants, but joined the Philles and A's in 2022. His walks remain a concern, so the Dodgers will have to work with his control, but they're typically good at figuring all that out.

At the very least, he'll provide depth at Triple-A. Can't argue with that, as the need for pitching at every level grows and grows every year.

Dodgers News: Tyler Cyr, Chris Woodward, James Outman

Late last week, the Dodgers also added former Texas Rangers manager Chris Woodward to their front office, and he'll serve as a special assistant. Woodward, who managed former Dodger Corey Seager for a hot second, was dismissed midseason (August) as the team stumbled despite spending big in free agency last offseason.

Woodward previously served as the Dodgers third base coach from 2016-2018, which is how he garnered interest for the Rangers job.

But we saved the best news for last. Per Dodgers insider Juan Toribio of MLB.com, James Outman will "likely be on the Dodgers' Opening Day roster" and "the club believes he would be ready for that challenge." Though this isn't necessarily a surprise, it's the closest thing to a confirmation we've had on Outman, who fans have been hoping to see in center field.

MLB news: Pablo Lopez trade, Giants contracts, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

-The Marlins traded Pablo Lopez, No. 5 prospect Jose Salas and prospect OF Byron Chourio to the Twins for AL batting champion Luis Arraez. The Dodgers were previously interested in Lopez, but it's clear the price was steep, even though this deal took some creativity to cross the finish line.

-Did you know the Giants are beholden to player opt outs on Michael Conforto, Ross Stripling and Sean Manaea? They can all be free agents again after 2023. Mitch Haniger can opt out after two years, too. What in the world is San Francisco doing?

-Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says the Blue Jays have yet to approach him about contract extension talks. Cue Dodgers Twitter penciling him in as their next third baseman/DH/wherever he fits after the 2025 season.