Jimmy Nelson Has One Complicated Contract in 2023

Nelson was a starter throughout his time with the Brewers, and when Los Angeles originally signed him prior to 2020, it was unclear what his role would be. In 2021 — the only season he actually pitched for LA — he was a reliever. But this contract structure allows for the possibility that he could be a starter, a long reliever, or a regular reliever.

On one side, you have the "starter" points, where he gets bonuses based on the number of games he starts or pitches at least 3.1 innings in relief. This structure isn't necessarily expecting him to pitch 3.1 innings of true relief very often, but is more set up for the possibility of a piggyback or starter situation where he's scheduled to pitch multiple innings, they just don't come at the start of the game.

The other side is more traditional, with points for games pitched in relief that don't fall into category A.

Overall, Nelson could make millions in bonuses, and the Dodgers would be happy to pay it because that would mean he was healthy and effective all season.