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The Dodgers enhance their roster with Roki Sasaki, key signings, and a high payroll for 2025.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made significant strides in the offseason to enhance their roster following their World Series championship in 2024. The highlight of their acquisitions is Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, who is anticipated to make a major impact in the upcoming season. Sasaki, ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect on MLB Pipeline`s Top 100 Prospects list for 2025, finalized his deal with the Dodgers, adding a formidable presence to their pitching staff.

In addition to Sasaki, the Dodgers have bolstered their bullpen by signing left-handed reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million contract and right-handed reliever Kirby Yates to a one-year, $13 million deal. These additions, along with the re-signing of Blake Treinen, significantly strengthen the Dodgers` relief options. The starting rotation will also see the return of Shohei Ohtani, who is expected to pitch in 2025 after recovering from a shoulder injury, alongside Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Dustin May, and Tony Gonsolin.

The Dodgers have also made strategic moves in the infield, signing KBO star Hyeseong Kim, which led to the trade of Gavin Lux to the Reds to alleviate an infield logjam. Outfielder Teoscar Hernández has been re-signed, and the team has added Michael Conforto to their lineup. With a projected payroll of $380 million for 2025, the Dodgers` financial commitment is significantly higher than many teams, including the Phillies, who have a payroll of $288 million.

As the season approaches, the Dodgers are set to face the Phillies in a highly anticipated series from April 4-6, with both teams looking to make a statement early in the season. This matchup will be crucial as they will not meet again until the final stretch of the season from September 15-17.

#Dodgers,#RokiSasaki,#MLB2025,#BaseballNews,#OffseasonMoves