Michael King predicts impact of Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell on Dodgers' pitching lineup

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King believes that beating the LA Dodgers in 2025 has become even more difficult after their recent additions of Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki and Tanner Scott to their pitching staff.

Three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani will also be on the mound after not pitching in the entire 2024 season while recovering from his September 2023 elbow surgery.

Appearing on Tuesday’s episode of the "Casa De Klub" podcast, King highlighted just how formidable the Dodgers are shaping up to be in 2025.

"I mean, their team is incredible, especially that top four in their lineup," King said (22:24 onwards).

"I know Freddie basically won them the World Series, but I felt like Teoscar was the one who dominated us in the Division Series. They’re just a good team, and obviously, they’re going to continue to spend money."

King also mentioned that adding Snell and Ohtani to the already star-studded roster could make the Dodgers even tougher to beat.

"I think adding Snell and Ohtani coming back is even more dangerous because I felt like their starting rotation might have been the only thing we could have exploited in the playoffs — and they all dominated," King said.

"They’re a good team. We had them in the regular season, but it doesn’t mean anything. I think we won the regular season series, but that doesn’t mean anything if you can’t beat them in the playoffs."

Dodgers add more to pitching staff with aim to repeat as WS Champions

The LA Dodgers capitalized on Shohei Ohtani’s first year with them by winning the World Series. With nine years remaining on his contract, the Dodgers’ spending this offseason makes sense, as the club aims to repeat as World Series champions in 2025.

Starting pitching was one of the concerns for the club in 2024, but this time around, they seem to have addressed that weakness.

The Dodgers began the offseason by signing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal. They also signed international free-agent sensation and Japanese ace Roki Sasaki with a $6.5 million bonus. The Dodgers will have him under team control for six years.

Moreover, the Dodgers improved their bullpen by giving Tanner Scott a four-year, $72 million deal.

Coupling these three pitchers with the Dodgers' star-studded staff, which includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, should be enough to keep opposing hitters on edge every time they face this revamped pitching rotation.