How the Dodgers’ pitching rotation looks after signing Japanese flame thrower Roki Sasaki

The Los Angeles Dodgers continued to cement their status as World Series favorites with a string of recent additions, including the signing of Roki Sasaki. Already equipped with one of the best rotations in baseball, the Dodgers added to their wealth with the top young pitcher on the market.

It's the second year in a row they've won the sweepstakes for the best Japanese pitcher coming out of the NPB. They outbid everyone for Yoshinobu Yamamoto last season, but Sasaki didn't require a bidding war due to international free-agent rules.

It sets them up with a well-rounded and exceptionally deep rotation for 2025. It will start with another free-agent acquisition, Blake Snell. He will likely be their ace and have the following rotation:

1. Blake Snell
2. Tyler Glasnow
3. Yoshinobu Yamamoto
4. Shohei Ohtani
5. Roki Sasaki

They have several other starters who will most likely be pushed to the bullpen when the season arrives. With 2024 serving as a lesson to LA, it has adopted the plan to have ample starting pitching depth in case of injury to anyone.

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Could the Dodgers use a six-man rotation with Roki Sasaki?

There are rumors of a six-man rotation, which would make sense. Both Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Sasaki are used to that after pitching in Japan. Shohei Ohtani (who won't be pitching by Opening Day as well) and Tyler Glasnow are both coming off arm injuries and their innings could be limited.

The sixth man could be any of Landon Knack, Bobby Miller, Dustin May or Tony Gonsolin, with the latter two also coming off significant, season-ending injuries. Emmet Sheehan may also be in the mix.

The Dodgers may use a six-man rotation (Imagn)

Clayton Kershaw is a free agent, but the Dodgers may want him to return and be a Dodger lifer rather than finish his illustrious career elsewhere. If that happens, he could also be the sixth starter.

Their bullpen currently has eight pitchers in it, so those who don't make the cut out of Spring Training will likely move there until called on in case of an injury to someone in the main rotation. That's something the Dodgers experienced a lot of last season.