The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2025 season with high hopes for their bullpen after investing over $100 million in free-agent relievers Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Blake Treinen. Yet the group’s season has been anything but smooth. Scott and Yates remain on the injured list, while Treinen only recently returned after a three-month absence. Injuries have also plagued key arms like Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and Michael Kopech. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers boast the third-best bullpen in MLB by fWAR, a surprising feat largely credited to a quietly impressive rookie left-hander.
Jack Dreyer, in his debut season, has emerged as a dependable force in the Dodgers’ bullpen. While his fastball velocity averages a modest 92.5 mph, Dreyer’s effective use of a high-80s slider has confounded hitters. His 3.3% barrel rate ranks in the 97th percentile across Major League Baseball, and his 2.30 expected ERA is the third best among pitchers with at least 200 plate appearances. Opponents carry just a .590 OPS against him — evidence that Dreyer is no easy puzzle to solve.
Los Angeles Dodgers Jack Dreyer Among Under-the-Radar All-Stars
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Brian Murphy of MLB.com highlights Dreyer’s rise as an under-the-radar standout: “Dreyer doesn’t light up the radar gun, but he mixes his fastball with a high-80s slider to optimal effect. Opposing hitters are finding out that he’s tougher to solve than a Rubik’s Cube.” This rookie’s calm and craftiness have been a critical anchor amid a bullpen riddled with injuries and inconsistency.
Manager Dave Roberts has praised both Dreyer and fellow rookie Ben Casparius for their durability and effectiveness, noting, “I think it’s also we’re trying to win games and you have to look at who’s available, who can handle leverage, and things like that. To be quite honest, we’re relying a lot on two rookies… You’ve got to give credit to Jack and Ben, but it’s the other guys’ responsibility as well.” Roberts’ words underscore the growing pains of relying heavily on young arms while waiting for the veterans to return to form.
On the veteran side, Alex Vesia has quietly been one of the team’s most reliable relievers, and Lou Trivino’s recent acquisition adds depth to the mix. With Kirby Yates and Michael Kopech back from injury, the Dodgers hope to see more stability in the bullpen, though Kopech has shown some wildness during his rehab appearances.
For rookie lefty Jack Dreyer, Clayton Kershaw’s career has been a guiding light. “I looked up to him as a left-handed pitcher my whole life,” Dreyer told the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett. “Going back in my camera roll, I have a picture from 2016 of us side by side when I was in high school and he was in the big leagues… At that point, he’d already had 10 years in ‘The Show’ and he’s still pitching. But now we’re teammates, which is pretty cool.”
Dreyer’s growing confidence and success are a testament to the influence Kershaw has had on the team’s younger generation. With the Dodgers’ bullpen challenged by injuries and inconsistency, the contributions of these emerging pitchers have been invaluable in keeping the team competitive.
As Kershaw edges closer to history and Dreyer continues to carve out his own role, the Dodgers’ bullpen narrative this season is one of resilience, adaptability, and hope. The blend of veteran presence and youthful energy keeps the team poised to meet the season’s challenges, exemplifying the Dodgers’ ability to stay relevant even amid adversity. November is when Dreyer’s mettle will be tested to its ultimate degree