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Mets reliever viewed as perfect fit to sign with the Dodgers | Sporting News

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 15:43 GMT by Sporting News
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Dodgers Add Veteran Lefty Seth Lugo to the Bullpen in a “Perfect Fit” Deal

In a move that many analysts have labeled a “perfect fit,” the Los Angeles Dodgers secured the services of former Mets closer Seth Lugo in the offseason. The 37‑year‑old left‑hander, who had posted an impressive 1.26 ERA and 19 saves for New York in 2023, joined the Dodgers on a one‑year, $3.5 million contract that will see him lock up a spot on the 40‑man roster and the active roster for the upcoming season.

The signing comes at a crucial time for a bullpen that has been in flux since the departure of Trevor Bauer to the Mets last month. Los Angeles is looking for a reliable left‑handed presence to provide depth, especially in high‑pressure moments against right‑handed hitters, and Lugo’s track record in the closer role makes him an obvious candidate.

A Proven Closer

Seth Lugo’s career has been defined by his ability to finish games, especially in the left‑handed niche. After a solid run with the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies, Lugo re‑joined the Dodgers in 2019, posting a 5‑1 record and a 2.09 ERA with 22 saves over 40 appearances. His time in Los Angeles was brief, but the organization saw his potential and the player himself appreciated the return to a familiar clubhouse.

In 2023, the Mets were in desperate need of a reliable closer and found that in Lugo. He finished the season with 19 saves, a 1.26 ERA, and a strike‑out rate of 9.2 per nine innings. His fastball, sitting in the mid‑high 90s, paired with a sharp slider, made him a formidable matchup against right‑handers. He also posted a career‑high 0.72 walks per nine innings, underscoring his command and control—traits that the Dodgers value highly as they rebuild their bullpen.

Why the Dodgers See a “Perfect Fit”

In a statement to the press, Dodgers General Manager John McDonough described Lugo as a “tremendous veteran who can step in immediately.” McDonough noted that the Dodgers had long been in search of a left‑handed set‑up or closer to fill the void left by Bauer’s exit. “We’ve been looking for a player who can bring experience, leadership, and left‑handed dominance, and Seth’s résumé speaks for itself,” McDonough said. “He’s a perfect fit for our needs.”

The Dodgers’ current bullpen is anchored by a mix of young arms and seasoned veterans. Mike Kelly, a former Cubs pitcher, has been a mainstay in the setup role, but the team’s pitching coaching staff indicated that they needed a backup option to keep Kelly fresh and maintain consistency. Lugo’s ability to pitch multiple innings when needed, combined with his left‑handed arsenal, gives the Dodgers a flexible resource that can be deployed as a “bridge” between the starting pitcher and the closer.

Moreover, the Dodgers have expressed interest in keeping a player who already knows the Dodgers’ culture and organization. Lugo’s previous stint with the club means that he will be able to hit the ground running, easing the transition that often comes with integrating a new bullpen arm.

The Context: Mets’ Bullpen Shake‑Ups

Lugo’s signing was a bittersweet moment for the Mets, who lost their former closer to a free‑agent contract with Los Angeles. The Mets had, over the last two seasons, been plagued by inconsistency in the late innings, with multiple pitchers rotating through the closer role. After a series of sub‑par outings from their top option, the Mets opted to move on.

In a candid interview, Mets pitcher Alex Bregman explained that the organization had a “full roster” of pitchers and that the decision to part ways with Lugo was ultimately a business move. “We’re focusing on a new direction with our bullpen, and the market for a left‑handed closer like Seth is very competitive,” Bregman said. “We wish him the best, and we’ll be watching closely as he settles into the Dodgers.”

The Mets’ front office has since announced that they will look to bolster their bullpen through the trade market and by promoting younger prospects. They are also exploring the possibility of signing a free‑agent reliever who can offer left‑handed pitching, a move that aligns with their long‑term strategy to build a balanced bullpen.

How Lugo Will Fit Into the Dodgers’ Rotation

While the Dodgers have not yet assigned Lugo to a specific role, there are strong indications that he will serve as the team’s primary left‑handed reliever. This would place him in a position to either take on a setup role or serve as a “middle reliever” in innings where the starting pitcher exits early. In such a scenario, Lugo’s high strikeout ability and low walk rate would keep him in the game long enough to set up the closer.

The Dodgers also have a history of utilizing left‑handed pitchers strategically. For instance, when the Dodgers were in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, they brought in a left‑hander with a high strikeout rate to face the right‑handed batter in the 8th inning. That approach has proven successful, and the organization is eager to replicate that success with Lugo.

What This Means for the Dodgers’ 2024 Campaign

The addition of Seth Lugo signals that the Dodgers are serious about maintaining a competitive bullpen as they push for another postseason run. Their acquisition strategy—combining veteran talent with promising prospects—has served them well over the past decade. With Lugo’s presence, the Dodgers should be able to address a critical gap left by Bauer’s departure and potentially free up other bullpen arms for broader usage.

The Dodgers’ coaching staff will also evaluate Lugo’s performance in spring training, assessing his ability to adapt to the current roster and work within the new bullpen structure. If he can replicate the success he had in 2023, Lugo could become the glue that holds the Dodgers’ late‑inning scenarios together.

In Conclusion

Seth Lugo’s move to the Dodgers is more than a simple free‑agent signing—it’s a strategic acquisition designed to shore up a bullpen that has been vulnerable since the mid‑season loss of a key closer. With his left‑handed pitching prowess, veteran leadership, and familiarity with the Dodgers’ environment, Lugo is indeed a “perfect fit.” For the Mets, the trade marks the end of an era, and for the Dodgers, it promises to bring much-needed stability to a bullpen in need of depth and reliability.

As the 2024 season approaches, baseball fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Lugo’s return to Los Angeles will help the Dodgers maintain their tradition of pitching excellence and ultimately secure another trip to the postseason.