J.P. Howell is a part of the Dodgers' bullpen for a fourth season in 2016, thanks to a decision made by the left-hander in November to exercise his player option to return to Los Angeles for one more year. But as the hot stove continues to produce lucrative contract after lucrative contract for middle relief pitchers, it is becoming more and more clear that Howell left quite a bit on the table to stay with the Dodgers.
Don't get me wrong; nobody is crying poor for Howell, who made $11 million total in 2014-2015, and will be paid another $6.