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Dodgers Chase Roki Sasaki Amid Contract Changes

As the 2025 baseball season approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers are making headlines with their aggressive pursuit of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has emphasized the team's commitment to signing Sasaki, stating they are `going to do whatever we can` to secure his talents. Following a meeting with Sasaki in late December, the Dodgers are eager to arrange another discussion before his decision deadline on January 23. Despite the urgency, Sasaki's agent has indicated that a final decision may not come until closer to that date. The Dodgers are currently viewed as frontrunners for Sasaki, with the San Diego Padres also in the mix as a strong competitor.

In addition to their efforts to land Sasaki, the Dodgers are facing potential shifts in their contract strategies. A former MLB executive has raised concerns that the league may soon prohibit the Dodgers from utilizing deferral-filled contracts. This strategy has allowed the team to attract high-profile players such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell, with the Dodgers having deferred over $1 billion in contracts. This practice has sparked discussions among other teams and MLB officials regarding its fairness and long-term viability.

Furthermore, the Dodgers are exploring additional roster improvements, including a potential $80 million deal to acquire All-Star reliever Tanner Scott from the San Diego Padres. Scott had a standout 2024 season, boasting a 1.75 ERA, 22 saves, and 84 strikeouts, making him a highly coveted asset in the free-agent market. This move aligns with the Dodgers' broader strategy to enhance their pitching depth and maintain their competitive edge in the National League West.

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