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With prices for players soaring, the Dodgers decided to go for a familiar face to strengthen their bullpen. On Tuesday, they made a trade with the Minnesota Twins to bring back right-hander Brock Stewart in exchange for outfielder James Outman.

Stewart, now 33, began his major league career with the Dodgers from 2016 to 2019. Back then, he had a rough start with a 5.46 ERA across 36 games. However, while playing for the Twins, he found his groove. Over the last three seasons, he achieved an impressive 2.33 ERA, including a stellar 2.38 this year in 39 games. His fastball now reaches the upper 90s, making him a formidable opponent against right-handed hitters, limiting them to just a .104 average this season.

Currently, Stewart’s salary is $870,000, and he will be available for arbitration next season and in 2027. That makes him a cost-effective option for the Dodgers, who are looking to build a strong, balanced team without breaking the bank.

This trade follows a trend where other National League teams made significant moves, often trading away top prospects for high-profile relief pitchers. For example, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Jhoan Durán, a 100 mph pitcher, in exchange for two highly-rated prospects. Meanwhile, the New York Mets added Tyler Rogers and Ryan Helsley, while the San Diego Padres traded for star closer Mason Miller with a hefty prospect package. The Yankees also snagged David Bednar for three prospects, including a top-10 talent in their system.

Despite these big trades, the Dodgers remained cautious. They prefer to avoid overpaying for relief pitchers, who can be unpredictable. Stewart’s return seems to align perfectly with this strategy. He has expressed excitement about rejoining the Dodgers, highlighting his fondness for Dodger Stadium.

As the deadline approaches, the Dodgers may look for more ways to enhance their team. Time will tell if they make any further moves.



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