Manager Dave Roberts, who has won two World Series titles in his nine seasons with the Dodgers, is entering the final year of his contract extension. Despite this, the team's commitment to excellence remains unwavering. The Dodgers have already made several key signings, including retaining slugging outfielder Teoscar HernƔndez and top reliever Blake Treinen, as well as extending key utilityman Tommy Edman and signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell[2].
One of the most significant moves the Dodgers are pursuing is the signing of Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. With their strong track record of pitching development and the presence of fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers are viewed as the most logical landing place for Sasaki. This potential addition would further bolster their rotation, which was one of the team's few weaknesses last season[2].
The Dodgers also expect Shohei Ohtani to return to their starting rotation at some point in the upcoming season, adding another star Japanese-born pitcher to their lineup. Ohtani had a stellar first season with the Dodgers, living up to every expectation of his 10-year, $700 million contract. He is also expecting his first child with his wife Mamiko Tanaka, adding a personal milestone to his already impressive career[2][4].
The team's aggressive offseason strategy is a response to the competitive landscape, with other teams like the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Mets making significant moves to challenge the Dodgers' dominance. The Yankees, for example, have added Max Fried, Devin Williams, and former MVPs Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt to their roster[1].
#:Dodgers,#WorldSeries,#RokiSasaki,#ShoheiOhtani,#MLB