Dodgers Pitching Pursuit: Signing a Premier Starter Remains Top…

The Los Angeles Dodgers won their eighth World Series title in franchise history despite having to navigate through a multitude of injuries to their starting rotation during the 2024 season.

While the club has plenty of talented pitchers under contract, they are expected to add to the group this offseason. As the Dodgers remain part of the Juan Soto sweepstakes, general manager Brandon Gomes recently indicated starting pitching is a top priority for the team.

The Dodgers have been connected to some of the biggest names available, including Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers are hoping to sign at least one top-of-the-line starting pitcher in free agency:

The Dodgers, who won the World Series with only three healthy starters, are pursuing at least one top-tiered free agent starter even with Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin and Clayton Kershaw all expected to join Yamamoto in the rotation this year.

As Nightengale noted, the Dodgers are expecting to get Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin back on the mound at some point during the 2025 season. However, the team would certainly benefit from bringing in another impact starter.

Burnes and Fried both have impressive track records but were extended the qualifying offer, which means any team would need to give up draft compensation in order to sign them.

Snell is a two-time Cy Young Award winner but got off to a slow start this past season before finding success down the stretch.

Sasaki might have the highest upside of any available starting pitcher, but he won’t be posted as an MLB free agent until after the next international signing period begins on Jan. 15, 2025.

The Dodgers could also look to bring back Walker Buehler and/or Jack Flaherty if they miss out on the other top free agent starting pitchers. Clayton Kershaw reached the open market as well, but already confirmed plans to re-sign with the team.

Dodgers still considered ‘heavy favorites’ for Roki Sasaki

The Dodgers emerged as early favorites to sign Sasaki, but complicating factors could affect their pursuit. There are concerns that the right-hander is nursing an injury and he also may prefer signing with a small-market team.

Despite those potential obstacles, the Dodgers are still considered the overwhelming favorites to sign Sasaki even if there is some allure to becoming teammates with Yu Darvish on the San Diego Padres.