Matt Sauer, the former Yankees pitching prospect, is beginning a new chapter in his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, Sauer has agreed to a minor league deal with the Dodgers, which also includes an invite to their major league spring training. Sauer, 25, has faced a series of challenges and changes in recent years, but his potential remains intriguing as he embarks on this new opportunity with one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball.
Sauer’s journey to the Dodgers has been anything but straightforward. Last offseason, he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the Rule 5 draft, which meant that the Royals took a chance on the right-hander, hoping to add him to their roster. The Rule 5 draft allows teams to select players from other organizations’ minor league systems, but those players must stay on the major league roster for the entirety of the season or be offered back to their original team. Sauer made his major league debut in 2024 with the Royals but struggled to establish himself at the big league level. In 16 1/3 innings, he allowed 14 earned runs, posting an ERA over 7.00. His performance included 11 walks and just 9 strikeouts, indicating struggles with control.
After his rough stint with the Royals, Sauer was returned to the Yankees in May. He was sent to Triple-A, where he tried to rebuild his game, but he was eventually assigned to Double-A as the season went on. There, he spent the remainder of the 2024 season with the Somerset Patriots, the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate. While his time with the Patriots was a step down from Triple-A, Sauer found more success in the lower level. In 17 relief appearances, he posted a solid 2.63 ERA over 24 innings. His performance at Double-A showed signs of the potential that had once made him a highly regarded prospect in the Yankees system.
The 2024 season marked a turning point for Sauer, as he became a free agent after electing not to re-sign with the Yankees. The move to free agency opened the door for Sauer to explore new opportunities, and it wasn’t long before the Dodgers came calling. The Dodgers, known for their success in developing pitching talent, saw potential in Sauer, offering him a minor league deal and a chance to attend major league spring training. This move could be exactly what Sauer needs to rediscover the promise that made him an exciting prospect in the first place.
In 2022, while with the Somerset Patriots, Sauer set a franchise record with an impressive 17 strikeouts in a game against New Hampshire. This remarkable feat, accomplished over eight innings, demonstrated Sauer’s ability to dominate hitters when he’s at his best. Despite the Patriots losing that game 4-3 in 10 innings, Sauer’s performance was a clear indication of the potential he had, even if it hadn’t fully materialized at the major league level.
Now, with the Dodgers, Sauer will have the chance to work with one of the best pitching development staffs in baseball. The Dodgers have a long track record of turning pitchers into stars, and Sauer will hope to tap into their resources and guidance to elevate his game. Joining a team like the Dodgers also provides Sauer with the opportunity to learn from seasoned big league pitchers and coaches, which could be invaluable for his career moving forward.
While Sauer’s major league debut didn’t go as planned, the transition to a new organization could help him reset and focus on refining his craft. The Dodgers are known for their depth and commitment to developing players, and they’ll give Sauer the support he needs to continue his journey. If he can recapture the form he showed in his record-setting outing with the Patriots, Sauer could become an important piece for the Dodgers shortly.
Sauer’s move to the Dodgers also gives him a chance to prove that he belongs in the major leagues. With a solid performance in spring training, he could earn a spot on the Dodgers’ roster or at least position himself for another opportunity with the big league club. If he excels in the minors, Sauer could find himself on the fast track to a call-up, especially with the Dodgers’ focus on building a competitive and deep pitching staff.
It’s worth noting that Sauer’s career has been filled with ups and downs, but the talent he showed earlier in his career as a Yankees prospect shouldn’t be overlooked. Despite his struggles at the major league level, Sauer has the skills to succeed. The key for him will be consistency, improving his control, and developing his pitches to a level where he can dominate at the highest level of competition.
Sauer’s path to success may take time, but the Dodgers’ minor league system could be the ideal place for him to continue his development. With a fresh start in Los Angeles, Sauer has the opportunity to turn the page and take his career to the next level. If he can harness the talent that made him a top prospect, Sauer could have a future in the big leagues, whether with the Dodgers or elsewhere.
For the Dodgers, taking a chance on Sauer is a low-risk, high-reward move. The minor league deal allows them to evaluate him closely without a significant financial commitment. If Sauer regains his form, the Dodgers could end up with a valuable pitcher who contributes to their major league team. The Dodgers have always been proactive in adding pitching depth, and Sauer could be a potential asset in their ever-expanding pipeline.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Sauer as he competes in spring training for a spot on the Dodgers’ roster. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the spring and whether he can regain the form that made him a promising prospect in the past. Whether he cracks the major league roster or continues to develop in the minors, Sauer’s future is now tied to the Dodgers, and this opportunity could be the key to unlocking his potential in the big leagues.
In conclusion, Matt Sauer’s move to the Los Angeles Dodgers represents a new beginning for the once-promising Yankees prospect. After a rocky start to his major league career with the Royals, Sauer has a chance to revitalize his career in a new organization with a strong track record of developing pitching talent. Whether he earns a spot on the Dodgers’ roster or works his way up through the minors, Sauer has an important opportunity to prove himself once again. His journey is far from over, and the next chapter with the Dodgers could be the one that allows him to reach his full potential.