Done Deal:Dodgers has Sign Top Free-Agent Pitcher in Addition to Roki Sasaki: Report
In what could be one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent history, the Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly making a strong push to add multiple elite arms to their pitching staff for the 2024 season.
According to multiple reports, the Dodgers are not only in the mix for Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki but are also looking to sign a top free-agent pitcher to bolster their rotation.
This dual pursuit reflects the club’s ambition to strengthen its pitching staff after a disappointing early exit in the 2023 postseason, and its long-term strategy to build a championship-caliber team in the coming years.
The Need for Pitching Depth
For several years, the Dodgers have been one of the most successful and well-run franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Their high-powered offense, backed by stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw, has often carried them deep into the postseason. However, their pitching staff has faced its share of issues in recent years, particularly during the 2023 postseason when they were eliminated in the National League Division Series (NLDS) by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite a strong regular-season record, their pitching—both starting and relief—failed to perform at the level required in the playoffs.
The 2023 postseason exposed several vulnerabilities within the Dodgers’ pitching staff. While ace Clayton Kershaw remained reliable during the regular season, the team struggled to find consistency from its other starters, particularly in the postseason.
Lance Lynn, acquired in a midseason trade, had an up-and-down performance, and Tony Gonsolin was hampered by injuries, contributing to a lack of depth. While the bullpen performed admirably at times, it was clear that the Dodgers were in need of more pitching firepower.
Roki Sasaki: The Japanese Sensation
Roki Sasaki, 22, is perhaps the most coveted young pitcher on the market, and his potential move to MLB has become a storyline that has captivated the baseball world. Sasaki made headlines in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with his incredible talent and his near-perfect game in 2022, which only added to his allure as a once-in-a-generation pitching prospect. With a fastball that routinely touches triple digits and an unhittable splitter, Sasaki has the stuff to be a frontline starter in MLB.
The Dodgers’ interest in Sasaki is no surprise. The team has a long-standing relationship with Japanese players, having signed notable stars like Kenta Maeda, Yu Darvish, and the now-retired Ichiro Suzuki. Additionally, the Dodgers have shown a willingness to invest in top international talent, including signing a host of top prospects from Latin America and Asia.
Sasaki’s youth and upside are particularly appealing. If he can make the successful transition from Japan to the United States, he could form a formidable one-two punch atop the Dodgers’ rotation, alongside veteran stalwarts like Kershaw.
Houston However, signing Sasaki would not come without challenges. Japanese players often face cultural and linguistic adjustments when transitioning to the major leagues, and Sasaki would need to develop both physically and mentally to adjust to the grind of a 162-game MLB season. Additionally, there will be significant competition for his services, as other teams are likely to make a run at one of the brightest young stars in the game.
Pursuing a Top Free-Agent Pitcher
While the Dodgers’ pursuit of Roki Sasaki may be the headline story, the team is reportedly also eyeing high-profile free-agent pitchers to solidify their rotation in 2024. With names like Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Julio Urías all potentially hitting the open market, the Dodgers find themselves in a position to be aggressive in their pursuit of top-tier pitching talent.
Blake Snell: The Cy Young Candidate
Blake Snell is one of the most intriguing free-agent pitchers on the market, and his name has been linked to the Dodgers multiple times. Snell, who won the 2018 American League Cy Young Award with the Tampa Bay Rays, has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the National League since being traded to the San Diego Padres. In 2023, he led the majors in ERA (2.25) and strikeouts (252), putting together a career-best season. Snell’s ability to dominate hitters with his curveball and fastball, coupled with his high strikeout rate, would make him an ideal fit for the Dodgers, who have long valued pitchers with swing-and-miss stuff.
One of the key factors in Snell’s potential fit with the Dodgers is his track record of success in the postseason. Though he has had some up-and-down performances in October, his playoff pedigree could be an asset in a team looking to return to the World Series. Snell’s versatility as a pitcher, able to generate swings-and-misses while limiting hard contact, makes him a potential centerpiece for a Dodgers staff that’s hungry for more postseason success.
Julio Urías: The Hometown Hero
Another pitcher the Dodgers are reportedly interested in is their own Julio Urías, who will be a free agent after the 2023 season. The 27-year-old left-hander has been one of the most reliable arms for the Dodgers in recent years, making key contributions in both the regular season and postseason. Urías has evolved into one of the Dodgers’ most important players, consistently posting sub-3.00 ERA seasons and delivering in big moments.
Urías’ potential return to Los Angeles hinges on multiple factors, including his health and market value. Despite some ups and downs in the 2023 season, Urías remains a highly effective pitcher with excellent command and a deep repertoire. The Dodgers could certainly use his experience and success within their organization to shore up their rotation.
However, there could be competition for Urías’ services, as other teams may look to capitalize on his youth and track record. With Urías set to hit free agency at a time when the market for starting pitchers is expected to be highly competitive, it remains to be seen if the Dodgers will prioritize re-signing him over other potential targets.
Why the Dodgers Need a Dual Strategy
There are several reasons why the Dodgers are pursuing both Roki Sasaki and a top free-agent pitcher this offseason.
1. Long-Term Sustainability
Sasaki represents the future of the Dodgers’ pitching staff, and signing him could give the team a potential ace for the next decade. However, even with Sasaki in the fold, the Dodgers need to ensure that their rotation is capable of competing in the near term. The addition of a free-agent ace like Blake Snell or re-signing Julio Urías would provide a more immediate boost to the rotation while Sasaki develops and acclimates to the MLB lifestyle.
2. Depth for the Postseason
The Dodgers have learned the hard way that having a few top-tier starters isn’t enough when it comes to making a deep playoff run. The team needs depth throughout the rotation to survive the grueling nature of October baseball. Both Snell and Urías would add that depth and provide additional options for manager Dave Roberts in the postseason, especially given the uncertainty around Kershaw’s ability to continue performing at a high level.
3. The Pitching Market Is Stacked
This offseason’s pitching market is one of the most stacked in recent memory. With multiple high-profile names on the market, the Dodgers are in a position to be aggressive. Teams like the San Diego Padres, who may be forced into a rebuild, and the New York Yankees, looking to restore their pitching dominance, will be serious competitors. The Dodgers, with their financial flexibility and deep pockets, are well-positioned to add multiple impact arms.
The Dodgers’ Future: A Pitching-Led Dynasty?
The Dodgers’ quest to sign both Roki Sasaki and a top-tier free-agent pitcher is part of a broader strategy to build a dynasty. Over the past decade, the team has excelled at developing talent, and their pursuit of international and domestic pitching talent speaks to their focus on building a sustainable contender. Adding Sasaki, along with another top pitcher, could form the backbone of a pitching-led championship team that will contend for titles year in and year out.
By combining young, high-upside arms like Sasaki with experienced veterans like Kershaw, Snell, or Urías, the Dodgers could have one of the most dominant pitching staffs in baseball. This approach could provide the team with the depth and versatility needed to compete at the highest level for years to come.
Conclusion
As the offseason unfolds, the Los Angeles Dodgers are showing their commitment to returning to the top of MLB by strengthening their pitching staff. By pursuing both the exciting young talent of Roki Sasaki and adding a proven, high-caliber free-agent pitcher, the Dodgers are positioning themselves for immediate success while also securing long-term stability. Whether or not they can land both of these prized arms remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Dodgers are determined to ensure their rotation is a force to be reckoned with in 2024 and beyond.
