With Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki likely headed to the MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers are seen as the frontrunners to secure his talent. Sasaki, currently with Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines, will soon be posted, giving MLB teams 45 days to pursue him. Despite his young age and the limitations on his signing bonus, Sasaki’s incredible skill has made him one of the most anticipated new additions. Many speculate that Sasaki may choose Los Angeles, especially given the allure of joining forces with fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Should the Dodgers secure Sasaki, his arrival could lead to significant roster changes heading into 2025.
One likely outcome is that Dodgers pitcher Dustin May may be traded. May’s 2024 season was plagued by injuries, including flexor tendon surgery and a procedure on his esophagus, marking another setback in his career. Although he has shown flashes of his potential with a career ERA of 3.10, May’s durability has been a recurring issue, limiting his appearances since his MLB debut in 2019. With May entering his final year of arbitration in 2025, the Dodgers could see an opportunity to trade him, especially if Sasaki strengthens their rotation.
Another potential departure is Walker Buehler, who played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ World Series run. Buehler’s 2024 season had mixed results, with a solid postseason performance but a less impressive 5.38 ERA in the regular season. While Buehler was instrumental in clinching the World Series, the Dodgers’ growing rotation depth, coupled with Sasaki’s potential arrival, may lead them to part ways with Buehler in free agency. The fact that Buehler was not offered a qualifying contract hints that the Dodgers may be prepared to let him explore other options, despite his past contributions.
Jack Flaherty, whom the Dodgers acquired from the Tigers, could also be on his way out. While he provided much-needed depth during the postseason, his inconsistency—highlighted by an uneven performance in the World Series—makes his future with the Dodgers uncertain. Flaherty’s brief stint with the team demonstrated his potential but also underscored his unpredictability. With a full rotation likely for next season, Flaherty may seek a lucrative offer elsewhere rather than stay on as a depth option.
If the Dodgers land Sasaki, these moves may become necessary to streamline the rotation and make room for the new talent. Sasaki’s addition could mark a shift, not only in the team’s pitching strategy but also in its roster structure as the Dodgers balance talent, performance, and depth heading into the new season.
