Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Former Highly-Regarded Prospect

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed right-handed pitcher Jon Duplantier to a minor league contract, bringing a once-promising arm back into the fold of organized baseball. 

Duplantier, 30, was a highly regarded prospect in the Arizona Diamondbacks' system after being drafted in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Rice University. 

He made his MLB debut in 2019 and showed flashes of potential, but injuries and inconsistency hampered his ability to secure a lasting spot in the majors. 

August 5 Transaction: @DockHounds transferred the contract of RHP Jon Duplantier (@dup_thereitis) to the Los Angeles #Dodgers.

Duplantier was outstanding for Lake Country, allowing no earned runs on six hits in 18 innings of work, striking out 30. https://t.co/Ard8ke3VFw pic.twitter.com/X182GyBIYk

— American Association (@AA_Baseball) August 6, 2024

After a brief stint with the Diamondbacks in 2021, where he struggled with a 7.88 ERA, Duplantier found himself bouncing between minor league and independent league teams.

Earlier this year, Duplantier began the season with Triple-A Syracuse in the New York Mets' system, posting a 5.31 ERA in 16 relief appearances before being released in June. 

However, he revitalized his career with the Lake Country DockHounds in the independent American Association, delivering dominant performances with a 0.00 ERA and 30 strikeouts over 18 innings. 

Jon Duplantier, Nasty 92mph Two Seamer. 😷 pic.twitter.com/Yrq23qtRB2

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 2, 2019

His success caught the attention of the Dodgers, who have now assigned him to their Double-A affiliate in Tulsa. 

While Duplantier is expected to spend the remainder of the 2024 season in the minors, the Dodgers see potential in him as a low-leverage bullpen option, and this contract offers him a chance to audition for a return to the majors in 2025.

Photo Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports