Dodgers News: Tony Gonsolin DFA’d, Robinson Ortiz Added to 40-Man, Grove Outrighted, Dean Claimed by Giants
The Dodgers made several moves to clear space on their 40-man roster
LOS ANGELES, CA—With today being the fifth day after the conclusion of the 2025 World Series, teams across Major League Baseball are preparing for the 2026 offseason, with today being the deadline for player, team, and mutual options, along with the final day to extend the qualifying offer to eligible free agents.
However, today, all players on the 60-day Injured List must be added back to teams’ 40-man roster, and for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have had multiple club options to decide on, and a few players they added to the roster, moves had to be made.
Earlier today, the Dodgers decided to exercise the club options on veteran third baseman Max Muncy (1-year, $10 million) and left-hander Alex Vesia (1-year, $3.65 million) while also adding two minor league players to the 40-man roster.
The roster was expanded to 43 players, exceeding the 40-man limit by three, prompting the Dodgers to make three moves. These included outrighting outfielder Justin Dean and pitcher Michael Grove, as well as DFA’ing right-hander Tony Gonsolin.
Since Grove has over three years of Major League experience, he can choose to decline the Minor League assignment and become a free agent. He spent the entire 2025 season on the 60-day IL following right shoulder surgery in March.
Grove has posted a 5.48 ERA and a 4.35 FIP in 64 games, including 20 starts, over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers. Originally developed as a starting pitcher, he has taken on a swingman role, though not necessarily as a dedicated reliever.
Shortly after Dean’s waiver placement and removal from the 40-man roster was announced by the Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants announced that they had claimed the defensive first outfielder from Los Angeles.
Dean made his MLB debut this season, appearing in 18 regular-season games and 13 playoff games. He had only three at-bats across those 31 games.
However, the more impactful move was the team DFA’ing Tony Gonsolin.
Gonsolin made only seven starts before suffering a season-ending right elbow injury that required an internal brace and flexor tendon repair. His recovery is expected to take eight to 10 months, and his future role with the Dodgers’ starting rotation remains uncertain due to its full roster.
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