Dodgers Designate Right-Hander Brent Honeywell Jr. for Assignment

In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Dodgers have designated right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr. for assignment, making room for right-hander Ben Casparius on both the 40-man and active rosters. This marks the second time this year that the 29-year-old Honeywell has been DFA'd, despite delivering solid results during his time in the big leagues.

Earlier in the season, Honeywell began his journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates on a minor league deal. While his performance at the Triple-A level was average, he quickly impressed after being called up to the majors last month. In his ten appearances with the Dodgers, Honeywell showcased his talent, posting a remarkable 2.28 ERA in 23 2/3 innings of work.

Although Honeywell's surface-level numbers are impressive, there are some concerns about his underlying performance. His strikeout rate in the majors this year sits at a modest 13.8%, which has led to a significant amount of baserunners despite a decent 6.4% walk rate. Honeywell's high 89.6% strand rate has been a saving grace in preventing runs, but his 4.74 FIP, 5.28 xERA, and 4.67 SIERA suggest the possibility of regression in the future.

Nevertheless, there is still evidence to support Honeywell as a valuable addition to any big league pitching staff. Drafted as a second-round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014, Honeywell was once considered a top-100 prospect in baseball for several years. A standout season in 2017, where he recorded an impressive 3.49 ERA across Double-A and Triple-A, solidified his status as a rising talent.

However, injuries prevented Honeywell from pitching between 2018 and 2020, and he hasn't been able to reach the same level of performance since then. After a challenging debut with the Rays in 2021, he struggled in the minors until the San Diego Padres provided him with an extended opportunity last year. During his time in the Padres bullpen, Honeywell showcased his capabilities with a respectable 4.05 ERA in 46 2/3 innings of work, striking out 20.6% of batters faced.

Given his prospect pedigree and solid performance in recent years, it is expected that there will be plenty of interest from other teams, should Honeywell clear waivers. If he does indeed clear waivers, the Dodgers have the option to outright assign him to the minor leagues. However, it is worth noting that Honeywell has the freedom to reject that assignment and explore free agency if he desires.

The future remains uncertain for Brent Honeywell Jr., but with his talent and potential, there's no doubt that he still has a chance to make a significant impact in the world of professional baseball.