The Los Angeles Dodgers continued to bolster their organizational depth this offseason by bringing back right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran on a minor league contract. Duran, who became a minor league free agent after the 2025 season with the Athletics, now returns to an organization that originally signed and developed him.

Duran first joined the Dodgers as an international free agent in 2018 and spent the bulk of his professional career climbing their farm system. Over parts of six seasons, he worked his way through multiple levels before making his Triple-A debut with Oklahoma City early in the 2025 campaign. That stint, however, was brief. In April, the Dodgers traded Duran to the Athletics as part of the deal that brought outfielder Esteury Ruiz to Los Angeles.

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Before the trade, Duran made a strong initial impression with Oklahoma City, logging 4.1 innings while allowing just one run and striking out eight batters. Between the Dodgers’ and Athletics’ Triple-A affiliates, the 24-year-old appeared in 38 games during the season, including two starts. Across 62.2 innings, he posted a perfect 4–0 record, though his overall numbers reflected some inconsistency, as he finished with a 5.03 ERA and a 1.72 WHIP.

While Duran had yet to make his Major League debut with the Dodgers, he did reach the big leagues for the first time after joining Oakland. His MLB introduction was a difficult one, as he recorded just one out while surrendering three runs, three walks, and a hit in his lone appearance. By June, the Athletics designated him for assignment, and he spent the remainder of the season back in Triple-A.

Over his minor league career, Duran has compiled a 4–20 record with a 4.27 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP across 119 appearances, including 80 starts. While those numbers suggest he is still refining his command and consistency, his ability to miss bats has kept him on organizations’ radars.

Duran is one of several familiar faces returning to the Dodgers’ system this offseason, joining Nick Frasso and Chuckie Robinson as minor league signees. For Los Angeles, the move represents a low-risk way to add pitching depth. Duran is expected to open the season in the minors, but given the grind of a 162-game schedule, he could emerge as a bullpen option if injuries or performance issues arise at the big-league level.