Deal Don: Dodgers Agree to Contract with Ex-Cardinals Star Reliever
In a move that is sure to bolster their bullpen for the 2024 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a contract with former St. Louis Cardinals closer, Donovan “Deal Don” Fernandez, who had an impressive run in St. Louis. The deal, reportedly a one-year, $6 million contract, underscores the Dodgers’ ongoing commitment to strengthen their pitching staff as they prepare for another championship push in the National League.
Fernandez, 32, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant relievers in recent years. After being drafted by the Cardinals in 2013, the right-handed flamethrower quickly ascended through the ranks of the St. Louis farm system, making his MLB debut in 2016. By 2018, he had firmly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable late-inning arms. His 2023 season was a standout, where he posted a 2.30 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 68 innings, saving 29 games for the Cardinals. His velocity, regularly clocking in above 98 mph, paired with an effective slider, made him a go-to arm in high-leverage situations.
The Dodgers, who have long been one of the top teams in the National League, were in need of adding depth to their bullpen after losing several key relievers to free agency and trades in recent years. The addition of Fernandez gives them an experienced closer with a proven track record of success. Over the course of his career, Fernandez has accumulated 112 saves, a 3.05 ERA, and 395 strikeouts in 370 innings.
What makes Fernandez especially valuable to the Dodgers is his ability to handle pressure situations. Whether it’s coming in with runners on base or closing out tight games, Fernandez has shown time and again that he thrives in high-stakes moments. His mentality, often dubbed “Deal Don” by his teammates for his calm under pressure, is one of the reasons he was highly sought after this offseason.
With the acquisition of Fernandez, the Dodgers’ bullpen now features an elite closer, a vital addition for a team that often finds itself in postseason contention. Los Angeles has been known for its depth, and with Fernandez now at the back end of the bullpen, the Dodgers can rely on him to lock down games when they have a late lead.
Manager Dave Roberts will have more flexibility when it comes to constructing his bullpen. The presence of Fernandez means Roberts can now utilize other arms in more advantageous roles, allowing him to manage matchups with greater precision. Fernandez’s arrival also brings leadership to a relatively young bullpen, as the team looks to make another run at a World Series title.
Fernandez’s departure marks the end of an era for the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was a central figure in the bullpen for nearly a decade. While St. Louis fans will undoubtedly miss his high-velocity offerings and leadership on the mound, the Cardinals are already eyeing replacements within their system and could look to bolster their bullpen through trades or free agency in the coming months.
For now, Fernandez is focused on continuing his career in Southern California. The Dodgers hope that his signing will help them return to the Fall Classic, as they look to build upon their strong foundation and take another step toward securing their first championship since 2020.
In signing Donovan Fernandez, the Dodgers have made a calculated move to secure an established closer, setting themselves up for continued success in 2024 and beyond.
