Dodgers Make Trade, Acquire Pitcher From Nationals

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired left-handed pitcher Jake Eder from the Washington Nationals, the team announced on Wednesday. The Dodgers sent cash back in the deal.

Eder, 27, was designated for assignment by the Nationals last week, and will now be heading to the Dodgers.

To make room for Eder on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Cousins is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Jake Eder Career

The Nationals acquired Eder from the Los Angeles Angels ahead of last year’s trade deadline. He didn’t suit up for the Nationals at the major league level, and was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for infielder Curtis Mead.

Eder made eight relief appearances at the MLB level with the Angels last season, sporting a 4.91 ERA with 15 strikeouts to nine walks over 18.1 innings pitched. He made his MLB debut in 2024 with the Chicago White Sox, making just one big league appearance and allowing one run over two innings of work.

Eder has been a starting pitcher in the minor leagues. In 24 career starts at the Triple-A level, he has a 7.69 ERA over 103 innings pitched.

Eder was initially drafted by the Miami Marlins in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He was traded to the White Sox in August 2023, and then again to the Angels in March 2025.

This is the now the fourth time Eder has been traded in his short career.

How Will Jake Eder Fit With the Dodgers?

Eder has an option year remaining, meaning the Dodgers can send him to the minor leagues without the risk of losing him on waivers.

The Dodgers will do just that, sending Eder to Triple-A Oklahoma City where they’ll work with him to try to develop him into a viable major league option.

The Dodgers likely see something they like in Eder, thus giving him an opportunity to develop in their system. If it doesn't work out, the Dodgers didn't have to give up anything in the trade to Washington.

Eder has four pitches in his arsenal, mainly relying on his four-seam fastball while also using a slider, sweeper and changeup. He struggled the most with his changeup last year, but found some success with his other pitches, especially the slider.