Dodgers Sign Former Pitcher Yency Almonte to Minor League Deal

Almonte previously spent 2022-2023 seasons with the Dodgers, posting a 3.35 ERA.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed pitcher Yency Almonte to a minor league contract. Almonte previously spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Dodgers, putting up a combined 3.35 ERA during that stint. He was later traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2024 but only got 15.2 MLB innings that year due to a shoulder injury.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are looking to bolster their bullpen depth after winning the World Series in back-to-back seasons. Almonte's previous experience with the team and potential to contribute at the MLB level make him an intriguing low-risk signing for Los Angeles.

The details

Almonte's time with the Dodgers was split, as he had a 1.02 ERA in 2022 but a 5.06 ERA in 2023. He was then traded to the Cubs in 2024, where he only got 15.2 MLB innings due to a shoulder injury. Almonte's career MLB ERA is 4.44, with his early years with the Colorado Rockies bringing that number up.

  • Almonte spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Dodgers.
  • Almonte was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2024.
  • Almonte only got 15.2 MLB innings with the Cubs in 2024 due to a shoulder injury.
  • Almonte signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers in February 2026.

The players

Yency Almonte

A pitcher who previously spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, putting up a combined 3.35 ERA during that stint.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The reigning back-to-back World Series champion baseball team, looking to bolster their bullpen depth.

Chicago Cubs

The team that acquired Almonte in a trade with the Dodgers in 2024.

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What’s next

Almonte will likely have a chance to compete for a low-impact bullpen role with the Dodgers to start the 2026 season. If he doesn't make the MLB roster, he'll likely be sent to their Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City to continue working his way back.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' signing of Almonte to a minor league deal represents a low-risk move to add depth to their bullpen as they look to three-peat as World Series champions. Almonte's previous experience with the team and potential upside make him an intriguing option for Los Angeles.