The Los Angeles Dodgers made an under-the-radar signing last week, adding right-handed pitcher Wyatt Mills on a minor league contract, per the team’s transaction log on MLB.com.
Mills, 30, last played at the major league level in 2022, but was out for 2023 and 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery before returning to professional baseball this season in the Boston Red Sox organization.
Across 32 games (seven starts) at Triple-A this season, Mills went 4-2 with a 3.46 ERA, adding 49 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched. He was released by the Red Sox in early August, and joined the Dodgers less than two weeks later on Aug. 16.
Mills was initially a third-round pick by the Seattle Mariners in the 2017 MLB Draft. He worked his way through the minor leagues before debuting in 2021. He made 11 appearances that season, allowing 14 earned runs across 12.2 innings for a 9.95 ERA.
Mills then made eight appearances with Seattle in 2022 before being traded to the Kansas City Royals. He made 19 appearances with the Royals before being designated for assignment after the season and subsequently traded to the Red Sox.
Across 27 total appearances in 2022 with Seattle and Kansas Citry, he had a 4.60 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 29.1 innings of work.
Mills was with the Red Sox organization from December 2022 until this month. He underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2023 and returned to action this year.
How Does Wyatt Mills Fit With Dodgers?
Mills will provide non-roster pitching depth to the Dodgers as they’re always looking for potential diamonds in the rough.
While it’s unlikely he pitches for the team this season — especially as they get healthier with September nearing — if he impresses enough, he can earn another contract with the team for next year with an invitation to spring training where he’d be able to compete for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.