Dodgers Announce Non-Roster Invitees for Spring Training: Scherzer, Weems, Zavala Among Key Names

By Anthony Franco | February 9, 2026 at 7:38 p.m. CDT

The Los Angeles Dodgers have unveiled their full list of 32 non-roster invitees for the upcoming Spring Training. While most of the invitees are familiar faces from the farm system or players already signed to minor league contracts, the team also revealed a couple of new names who signed minor league deals recently, adding some fresh depth to their camp.

Among the notable new invitees are catcher Seby Zavala and reliever Jordan Weems. Both players add veteran experience and provide the Dodgers with added versatility as they head into the new season.

Jordan Weems: Veteran Reliever Adds Depth to Dodgers’ Bullpen

Jordan Weems, a 33-year-old right-handed pitcher, has spent the last six seasons in the Major Leagues, making appearances with various teams. Last season, Weems appeared in just four games for the Houston Astros, struggling with a 5.51 career ERA over 160 innings pitched. He allowed seven runs across 4 1/3 innings in 2025, but his overall career numbers also include a solid 24% strikeout rate despite an elevated 11.2% walk rate.

In addition to his brief stint with the Astros, Weems spent most of 2025 between the Triple-A affiliates of the Astros and Braves, posting a 4.44 ERA in 46 2/3 innings. His experience at the big league level, along with his ability to strike out batters and provide depth to the bullpen, makes him a valuable asset for the Dodgers as they look to solidify their relief corps.

Seby Zavala: Veteran Backup Catcher with Defensive Skills

Seby Zavala, a right-handed hitting catcher, joins Chuckie Robinson as non-roster backstops who bring MLB experience to the Dodgers’ Spring Training. At 32 years old, Zavala is primarily known for his defensive abilities, but his offensive numbers have been less than stellar. Throughout his career, Zavala has posted a .205/.271/.342 slash line in 194 games.

Last season, Zavala spent time in Triple-A with the Boston Red Sox, where his performance at the plate was even more troubling, hitting .164/.273/.333 while striking out 36% of the time. Despite his offensive struggles, Zavala’s defensive reliability makes him a strong depth option for the Dodgers, who are looking for experienced backup options behind Will Smith.

Zavala’s path to an Opening Day roster spot could depend on his ability to outplay Ben Rortvedt, who was reclaimed from Cincinnati and is also competing for the backup role. Rortvedt, who is out of options, will need to prove himself during Spring Training to avoid being placed on waivers. Dalton Rushing, a second-year player, is the favorite for the backup spot, but Zavala and Robinson could provide depth should the Dodgers need further options.

Additional Non-Roster Invitees

The Dodgers also added some additional arms to their bullpen depth with Wyatt Mills, Carlos Duran, and Antoine Kelly all receiving non-roster invitations.

• Wyatt Mills, who posted a 6.21 ERA in 38 appearances with the Mariners and Royals between 2021-22, joined the Dodgers on a minor league deal in August 2025. Though he didn’t pitch in any affiliated games last season, Mills remains with the organization as a depth option in the bullpen.

• Carlos Duran, a power arm, was traded to the Oakland A’s last season and made his MLB debut with the A’s in 2025, but he struggled with control. The 6’7” righty posted an alarming 19% walk rate in Triple-A last season. Still, his velocity (mid-90s fastball) could make him a potential asset if he improves his command.

• Antoine Kelly, a 6’5” left-handed pitcher, is another power arm added to the mix. Despite posting a 5.63 ERA in 34 games for the Rockies’ top affiliate last year, Kelly’s ability to hit 96-97 MPH on the radar gun gives the Dodgers a raw but intriguing bullpen option.

The Dodgers’ Other Notable Invites

In addition to the new arms and Schuemann, the Dodgers have brought in Nick Senzel, a former #2 overall pick, who signed a minor league contract with the team last May. Senzel hit .252/.341/.408 with Triple-A Oklahoma City last season. While he still has work to do to crack the MLB roster, his minor league deal suggests the Dodgers see potential in him.

Luis Burgos: The Trade Piece Headed to Oakland

The trade that brought Max Schuemann to the Dodgers involved Luis Burgos, a 20-year-old right-hander with limited professional experience. Burgos has spent his entire pro career in the Dominican Summer League (DSL), where he posted a 3.39 ERA over 79.2 innings. While his strikeout rate of 8.0 K/9 is modest and his walk rate of 4.7 BB/9 suggests some room for growth, Burgos’s solid performance in run prevention could make him a project for the Athletics as he moves up the ranks of their minor league system.

Conclusion: Dodgers Add Depth Across Multiple Positions

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to strengthen their depth with Max Schuemann and a variety of non-roster invitees who bring veteran experience and defensive versatility to the Spring Training roster. Schuemann’s addition gives the team an option in the infield and outfield, while the pitching additions like Wyatt Mills, Carlos Duran, and Antoine Kelly provide further depth to a bullpen that could use extra arms.

As the Dodgers prepare for the season, these new additions could play a key role in filling out the roster and offering manager Dave Roberts flexibility as he looks to build a championship-contending team. While none of these players may be front-runners for starting roles, they could provide crucial depth as the team pushes through the grueling 162-game season.