Dodgers sign Gonsolin to 2-year deal through 2024

LOS ANGELES -- Tony Gonsolin had the best season of his career in 2022. He finished with a career-low 2.14 ERA and went 16-1 in 24 starts. It was the type of season that put Gonsolin on the map and earned him his first All-Star appearance.

The Dodgers are confident that, even as good as Gonsolin’s season was in 2022, the best is yet to come for the 28-year-old right-hander. Los Angeles was willing to back up that bet by coming to terms with Gonsolin on a two-year, $6.65 million deal to avoid arbitration on Tuesday.

Gonsolin was the only player the Dodgers hadn't come to an agreement with during the arbitration process. During the process, Gonsolin and his agents filed at $3.4 million, while the Dodgers stayed firm at $3 million. But instead of going to a hearing, the two sides continued to work through their differences, ultimately coming to an agreement on a deal that works for both sides.

With this agreement, Gonsolin will be paid $3.25 million in 2023 and $3.4 million for the ‘24 season, a source told MLB.com. That deal also has built-in incentives for the ‘24 season that will allow Gonsolin to earn more money depending on how many starts he makes.

Since being called up in 2019, Gonsolin has been a solid pitcher for the Dodgers. The Northern California native has gone 26-6 with a 2.51 ERA over 59 games (51 starts) in his first four seasons in the Majors. In his first three seasons, Gonsolin was in a hybrid role, often getting starts but also serving as a multi-inning reliever.

Gonsolin was given more responsibility during the 2020 World Series season, but he didn’t become a regular starter until the ‘22 season. The Dodgers made it a point to announce Gonsolin as a starter early in Spring Training, and he answered in a big way, becoming one of the most productive pitchers in the National League last season.

Injuries have been a concern with Gonsolin. He missed nearly two months last season with a right forearm injury. Right shoulder injuries cost him significant time in ‘21. Gonsolin is healthy going into the ‘23 season and he’s expected to be one of the Dodgers’ top starters, along with left-handers Julio Urías and Clayton Kershaw.