The Los Angeles Dodgers remedied their biggest needs heading into the offseason by adding two frontend options to the starting rotation while also signing the most coveted free agent in MLB history in Shohei Ohtani.
With just those three moves, which included Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers committed more than $1.1 billion to their roster this offseason.
But even with those deals to solidify the rotation, the Dodgers may not be done yet. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, they are still open to adding another starting pitcher:
The Dodgers, even after spending $1 billion this offseason on right-handers Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani, are not ruling out the addition of another starter with Ohtani out as a pitcher until 2025, sources said.
The Dodgers have also been connected to some of the top relievers on the market, but they reportedly prefer an additional starter over spending in the bullpen.
Although they have a great group of starters in place, questions about how many innings they’ll be able to throw remain at the forefront of the discussions. Yamamoto needs to adjust to an MLB schedule, Glasnow has a lengthy injury history, Walker Buehler is returning from Tommy John, and the rest of their starters are young pitchers who they may be cautious with.
The Dodgers have also been mentioned as being interested in various outfield options to pair with their possible platoon matchups. Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Pham are a few right-handed bats who fit the bill. Pham is more likely to take a one-year deal while Hernández should receive a multi-year contract.
But pitching has remained a central focus of Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman this offseason, and that doesn’t appear to be changing.
Possible Dodgers targets for starting rotation
The Dodgers might be out of the running for another marquee player like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, with their hunt being more suited in the mid-to-low tier range of pitchers who can eat innings.
But if the Dodgers forget about the price tag, they could bring in Yariel Rodríguez, who has drawn a ton of interest with his ability to start and be utilized as a reliever. Shōta Imanaga is likely to receive a $100 million contract that may be out of the Dodgers’ price range at this point, however, he would be a long-term middle-of-the-rotation piece.
They also possibly remain in the discussions for a Dylan Cease trade, which would command a hefty prospect return.
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