The Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting pitching staff is a significant reason they are the overwhelming favorites to win the 2025 World Series. With a rotation that blends international stars, proven aces, and homegrown talent—including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw—the Dodgers have assembled one of the most formidable pitching staffs in Major League Baseball history. Their elite depth gives them a clear edge over the competition and is reflected in their current odds, which are among the shortest in the league, typically ranging from +220 to +310.
The Dodgers’ starting pitchers are the players to watch for fans who enjoy placing a bet at a casino in Canada or the USA. Their dominance on the mound is a strong reason to consider backing Los Angeles as the 2025 World Series favorites. Here’s a look at the Dodgers’ starting rotation and what makes each pitcher a key factor in the team’s championship aspirations.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The New Ace
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s arrival in Los Angeles was met with tremendous fanfare, and for good reason. The Dodgers signed him to a groundbreaking 12-year, $325 million contract, the largest ever awarded to a pitcher. This deal sets a new standard for pitcher compensation and has many unique perks, including a personal trainer, interpreter, and even special dietary accommodations. Yamamoto’s early results in 2025 have been impressive: through his first several starts, he boasts a sparkling 1.86 ERA and a strikeout rate among the league’s best. His command and poise on the mound have quickly established him as the staff’s ace, and his contract ensures he will remain a Dodger for the foreseeable future. Yamamoto’s ability to mix pitches and maintain composure under pressure has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing hitters.
Shohei Ohtani: The Two-Way Sensation
Shohei Ohtani’s presence in the Dodgers’ rotation is a testament to his unparalleled talent and the team’s willingness to innovate. His 10-year, $700 million contract is the largest in sports history. However, its structure is unique: Ohtani will receive just $2 million per year for the next decade, with the remainder deferred and paid out in much larger installments starting in 2034. This arrangement allows the Dodgers to manage their payroll while retaining one of the most dynamic players ever to play the game. Ohtani, who missed the 2024 season as a pitcher due to elbow surgery, is expected to return to the mound in 2025. Early projections suggest he could post a 3.48 ERA with over 140 strikeouts in about 120 innings while contributing significantly as a hitter. Ohtani’s dual-threat ability makes him a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ present and future, and his contract ensures he will be a fixture in Los Angeles for years to come.
Tyler Glasnow: The Powerhouse
Tyler Glasnow brings a rare combination of size, velocity, and experience to the Dodgers’ rotation. Signed to a five-year, $136.5 million extension, Glasnow earns a base salary of $30 million in 2025, with additional compensation from his signing bonus. Standing 6’8”, Glasnow is known for his electric fastball and devastating curveball. While his 2025 season has seen some ups and downs, with a 4.50 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 18 innings across five starts, his potential for dominance is undeniable. Both brilliance and injury concerns have marked Glasnow’s career, but when healthy, he is one of the most feared pitchers in the game. His contract keeps him in Los Angeles through at least 2028, with a player option for 2029, providing the Dodgers with a reliable power arm for years to come.
Blake Snell: The Cy Young Laureate
Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, adds another elite left-hander to the Dodgers’ rotation. His five-year, $182 million contract, which includes a $17 million signing bonus, underscores the team’s commitment to building a super-rotation. Snell’s 2025 season has been a mix of strong outings and adjustment periods, as he works to find his rhythm with his new team. Throughout his career, Snell has been known for his high strikeout rates and ability to dominate opposing lineups, with a recent strikeout rate nearing 30%. His presence gives the Dodgers a third ace-level pitcher, and his contract ensures he will be a key piece of the rotation for the foreseeable future.
Roki Sasaki: The Young Phenom
Roki Sasaki, the youngest member of the Dodgers’ rotation, is already considered one of baseball’s most exciting young pitchers. Due to MLB rules regarding international amateur signings, Sasaki’s contract is limited to a minor-league deal with a signing bonus capped at $8.24 million. Despite this, his talent is undeniable. In his first MLB season, Sasaki has posted a 1-1 record with a 4.72 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 19.2 innings, though his underlying metrics suggest better days ahead. Sasaki’s fastball and splitter have drawn comparisons to some of the best pitchers in the game, and his presence gives the Dodgers a potential long-term star at a bargain price.
Dustin May: The Power Arm Depth
Dustin May provides valuable depth to the Dodgers’ rotation. Signed to a one-year, $2.135 million contract for 2025, May is a hard-throwing right-hander with a history of both brilliance and injury. When healthy, May is a reliable mid-rotation option, capable of dominating opposing lineups with his electric stuff. Flashes of dominance have marked his career, but he has struggled to stay healthy for extended periods. Nonetheless, his presence gives the Dodgers additional flexibility and insurance as they navigate the long MLB season.
Tony Gonsolin: The Crafty Right-Hander
Tony Gonsolin, affectionately known as “Goose,” has been a steady presence in the Dodgers’ rotation since his debut in 2019. In 2025, he is on a $5.4 million deal after avoiding arbitration. Gonsolin’s career has been highlighted by a 36-11 record and a 3.17 ERA, with 370 strikeouts in just over 395 innings. His ability to mix pitches and keep hitters off balance has made him a valuable part of the rotation, even as he has battled injuries recently. Gonsolin’s return to the rotation in 2025 provides the Dodgers with another reliable arm as they contend for another championship.
Clayton Kershaw: The Legend
No discussion of the Dodgers’ rotation is complete without mentioning Clayton Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. In his 18th season with the Dodgers, Kershaw signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract for 2025, with incentives that could push the total value to $16 million. Kershaw’s career statistics are staggering: 212 wins, a 2.51 ERA, and nearly 3,000 strikeouts, along with three Cy Young Awards and an MVP. While injuries and age have limited his workload in recent years, Kershaw remains a vital leader and mentor for the younger pitchers. Even in a reduced role, his presence in the rotation provides the Dodgers with invaluable experience and a steadying influence.
The Collective Impact
The Dodgers’ 2025 rotation is a blend of international stars, established aces, and homegrown talent, each bringing unique strengths to the team. Yamamoto, Ohtani, Glasnow, and Snell form a formidable top four, while Sasaki, May, Gonsolin, and Kershaw provide depth and flexibility. The contracts for Yamamoto, Ohtani, Glasnow, and Snell represent a significant financial commitment that reflects the Dodgers’ ambition to remain at the forefront of Major League Baseball.
Yamamoto’s record-setting deal ensures he will anchor the rotation for the next decade, while Ohtani’s unique contract structure allows the team to build around his two-way talents. Glasnow and Snell provide proven, elite-level performance, while Sasaki promises future greatness at a bargain price. May and Gonsolin give the Dodgers reliable depth, and Kershaw’s presence is a reminder of the franchise’s storied history.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2025 starting rotation is a testament to the team’s commitment to excellence. With a blend of international superstars, established aces, and franchise icons, the Dodgers are poised to dominate on the mound for years. Each pitcher brings a unique story and skill set, but together they form one of baseball’s most talented and exciting rotations. Their collective impact will surely be felt throughout the league, as the Dodgers look to add another chapter to their storied legacy.
