After the Los Angeles Dodgers formally introduced Kyle Tucker during a press conference at Dodger Stadium, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman acknowledged he believed their roster was largely set.
“I think there’s still some things we’re kicking around, some conversations that have been ongoing for a little bit that we’re going to continue to look to enhance and build up depth,” Friedman added. “So yeah, there’s some things, but I think in terms of more seismic changes, I think we’re pretty well set.”
Since his comments, the Dodgers reportedly signed Ryder Ryan to a Minor League contract . He is the older brother of River Ryan, a former heralded pitching prospect who made his MLB debut in 2024 and now is looking to return from Tommy Johnn surgery.
It’s presumed Friedman’s reference to ongoing talks was not in relation to the elder Ryan, but more likely Kiké Hernández and perhaps other possibilities. But true to form under Friedman, the Dodgers regularly look to amass organizational depth, especially on the pitching side.
Dodgers sign Cole Irvin
Under that mindset, the Dodgers have made another addition by signing Cole Irvin to a Minor League deal as well, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Irvin’s agreement with the Dodgers includes a non-roster invite to big league camp in Spring Training.
Cole Irvin agrees to Dodgers deal. Minors deal with MLB camp invite for the LHP. @JustBB_Media 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 1, 2026
Like Ryder Ryan, Irvin joins the Dodgers with prior MLB experience.
The southpaw attended Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif., and was originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 29th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. However, he chose to attended college and was later picked out of the University of Oregon by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 32nd round of the 2015 Draft.
Irvin again did not sign with a team and that amounted to getting selected the following year by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round.
Irvin made his MLB debut with the Phillies during the 2019 season. He also pitched for the team in 2020, and was traded to the then-Oakland Athletics in January 2021 in exchange for cash considerations.
That amounted to making a combined 62 appearances from the 2021-23 seasons before the A’s traded Irvin to the Baltimore Orioles, along with Kyle Virbitsky, for Darell Hernaiz.
Irvin pitched in 25 games (16 starts) for the Orioles in 2024 but finished that season with the Minnesota Twins upon getting designated for assignment and claimed off waivers.
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