The Los Angeles Dodgers, not only reigning MLB champions but also favorites to dominate in the coming years, already have Shohei Ohtani secured for the next nine seasons and boast one of the best farm systems. Yet, that might not be enough, as there are growing rumors they plan to make aggressive moves in the offseason.
**Roki Sasaki Sweepstakes Heating Up**
The 23-year-old Japanese pitching sensation, Roki Sasaki, is expected to be available to sign with an MLB team this offseason. Reports suggest the Dodgers are currently leading the race to sign him and further strengthen their rotation.
According to Bob Nightengale of *USA Today*, the Chicago White Sox are also exploring trade options, notably with Garrett Crochet, who had an impressive season last year with over 200 strikeouts in 146 innings and a stellar strikeout-to-walk ratio of 29.6%. Nightengale reported that both the Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies are the most aggressive suitors for Crochet, with a deal likely to happen by the end of the winter meetings.
**White Sox Eyeing Position Players in Potential Trade**
During the general managers’ meetings, White Sox GM Chris Getz confirmed significant interest in Crochet but emphasized that the right trade package must include position players. “We can’t force anything; the return has to fit our needs,” he stated.
### Why the Dodgers Need to Bolster Their Rotation
The Dodgers’ starting rotation is currently their weakest link after a series of injuries throughout the 2024 season. Shohei Ohtani suffered a torn labrum during the World Series, intensifying the need for more reliable pitching.
While the Dodgers hope Ohtani can resume pitching early in the 2025 season, nearly all of their current starters are recovering from significant injuries:
– Yoshinobu Yamamoto dealt with a rotator cuff strain.
– Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May are coming off Tommy John surgeries.
– Clayton Kershaw recently had two surgeries, with no clear recovery timeline.
– Bobby Miller, River Ryan, and Gavin Stone are sidelined for 2025.
– Tyler Glasnow has been out since August due to elbow issues.
Even if all these pitchers were healthy, the Dodgers would still need reinforcements to remain competitive. Adding Sasaki and potentially trading for Crochet would solidify their rotation, making them an even more formidable contender.
Both the Dodgers and Phillies have several promising young position players they could offer in a trade. With the winter meetings set to take place from Dec. 8-12 in Dallas, it won’t be long before we see how these trade talks unfold.
