The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a second chance on a promising pitcher, but will he live up to his potential? Nick Frasso, the 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, has been re-signed to a minor league contract, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. This move comes after the Dodgers non-tendered Frasso in November, leaving fans wondering about the team's strategy.
A Promising Prospect: Frasso was a fourth-round draft pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020 and has yet to make his Major League debut. He was traded to the Dodgers in August 2022 and showed potential in the minor leagues. In 2023, across Double-A and Triple-A, he pitched 93 impressive innings with a 3.77 ERA, showcasing his ability to strike out batters (26.8%) while keeping home runs to a minimum (0.38 per nine innings).
Setbacks and Surgeries: However, Frasso's journey hasn't been without challenges. In November 2023, he underwent labrum surgery on his shoulder and a procedure on his right hip, causing him to miss the entire 2024 season. And this is where his story takes an unfortunate turn. In 2025, he returned to Triple-A but struggled, posting a 5.49 ERA in 77 innings. His strikeout rate dropped, and he allowed more home runs than ever before.
Injury-Prone or Bad Luck? Injuries seem to be a recurring theme for Frasso. Prior to his 2024 surgeries, he had an internal brace procedure in 2021 for a partial UCL tear. And in 2025, he landed on the 60-day injured list with an undisclosed injury. But here's where it gets controversial—is Frasso simply unlucky, or is he prone to injuries that could hinder his long-term success? The Dodgers' decision to re-sign him suggests they believe in his potential, but it's a risky move.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Gamble: Despite the setbacks, Frasso's prospect status and impressive fastball-changeup combination make him an intriguing depth option. He can still reach the upper 90s with his four-seamer and has shown the ability to mix in off-speed pitches effectively. With only two days of big-league service time and one option year remaining, he's a low-cost gamble for the Dodgers.
As the Dodgers continue to build their roster for the upcoming season, this re-signing raises questions about the team's plans for Frasso and their overall pitching strategy. Will he finally get his shot at the big leagues, or will injuries continue to plague his career? The Dodgers are betting on the former, but only time will tell if this move pays off.
