If the Dodgers miss out on Roki Sasaki, the team is expected to sign an estimated $63 million star.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of Major League Baseball’s most successful franchises in recent years, are facing a crucial crossroads as they prepare for the 2024 season and beyond. With the possibility of acquiring Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki becoming increasingly uncertain, the Dodgers are looking toward alternative solutions to fortify their pitching staff. Sasaki, widely regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers in the world, has long been linked to the Dodgers, and the team had hoped to add him to its already impressive roster. However, with trade talks not yielding immediate results and other teams circling, the Dodgers may need to turn to other high-profile signings.

Reports have emerged that if the Dodgers miss out on Sasaki, they are prepared to pivot and make a significant play for another star pitcher. One name that has come to the forefront is Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose estimated market value is expected to be around $63 million. The 25-year-old right-hander, currently playing for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan’s NPB, is widely considered one of the best pitchers outside of Major League Baseball. Much like Sasaki, Yamamoto has drawn significant attention from MLB teams, and the Dodgers are reportedly among the leading candidates to secure his services should the Sasaki deal fall through.

In this report, we’ll examine the impact of missing out on Sasaki, why Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a viable alternative, and what his signing could mean for the Dodgers moving forward.

Roki Sasaki: The Dream Pitching Acquisition

Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old right-hander from Japan, has captivated scouts and fans alike with his otherworldly pitching arsenal. Sasaki’s fastball, which routinely reaches 102 mph, and his devastating splitter have earned him comparisons to some of the best pitchers in MLB history. He has dominated Japan’s NPB since making his debut, becoming a sensation with his remarkable command, velocity, and poise on the mound. Sasaki’s perfect game in 2021, combined with his ongoing excellence, has led many to believe that he could be the next big international star in MLB.

For the Dodgers, Sasaki has represented a tantalizing opportunity to add a young ace to an already stacked rotation. With Clayton Kershaw aging and Walker Buehler recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Dodgers are in need of a long-term solution at the top of their pitching staff. Sasaki, with his elite tools and potential for sustained excellence, would have been the ideal candidate to lead the Dodgers’ rotation for years to come.

However, as of now, the talks to bring Sasaki to Los Angeles have stalled. While the Dodgers remain one of the top teams linked to Sasaki, other MLB franchises have expressed strong interest, and the competition has become fierce. Furthermore, the complexities of international negotiations, particularly when dealing with Japanese teams, have slowed down the process. As the clock ticks down, the possibility that the Dodgers could miss out on Sasaki grows, and the team may have to adjust its strategy accordingly.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The Next Big Thing in MLB

Enter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a 25-year-old pitcher from Japan who has become one of the hottest names on the international free-agent market. Yamamoto, currently with the Orix Buffaloes, has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in Japan’s NPB, winning multiple pitching titles and showcasing a skill set that rivals the very best in the league.

Much like Sasaki, Yamamoto possesses an elite fastball and an impressive arsenal of off-speed pitches. His fastball sits comfortably in the mid-90s and has been clocked at 100 mph, while his curveball, slider, and changeup are all plus offerings that allow him to dominate hitters on both sides of the plate. Yamamoto’s control and ability to miss bats have made him one of the most consistent pitchers in NPB, and he has developed a reputation for being a workhorse capable of pitching deep into games. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his excellent strikeout rate, has made him a top target for MLB teams looking to add a frontline starter.

Yamamoto’s value in MLB is expected to be substantial. While some projections have him earning upwards of $63 million over the course of a contract, his potential upside makes him worth the investment. Unlike Sasaki, who is still relatively early in his development, Yamamoto has already proven himself at a high level, making him a safer bet for immediate success in MLB. As such, he could be a perfect fit for the Dodgers, who are eager to maintain their championship window while also positioning themselves for long-term success.

Why the Dodgers Would Pursue Yamamoto

The Dodgers’ pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a logical step for the franchise, especially if they miss out on Roki Sasaki. Los Angeles has long been known for its ability to sign and develop top-tier international talent, and Yamamoto represents an excellent opportunity to continue that tradition. The Dodgers have also demonstrated a willingness to spend on elite players, as evidenced by their recent acquisitions of players like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, so signing Yamamoto to a deal worth $63 million fits within their financial plans.

The Dodgers’ rotation has been one of the team’s strongest assets in recent years, thanks to the contributions of Kershaw, Buehler, and Julio Urías. However, with Kershaw nearing the end of his career and Buehler recovering from Tommy John surgery, the team needs to plan for the future. Yamamoto, with his age (25), proven track record in Japan, and dominant stuff, would be a perfect addition to a rotation that could use another top-tier arm.

Moreover, Yamamoto’s presence would help to solidify the Dodgers’ place as a true championship contender. While the team has a strong offense, the pitching staff remains one of the primary determining factors in any potential postseason run. Adding Yamamoto would give the Dodgers a legitimate ace to pair with Urías, and his arrival would elevate the team’s pitching depth to another level. With a rotation that includes Kershaw (if he returns), Urías, and Yamamoto, the Dodgers would have one of the most formidable staffs in MLB, capable of competing with the best teams in the league.

The Impact of a $63 Million Investment

A $63 million investment in Yoshinobu Yamamoto would undoubtedly make him one of the highest-paid pitchers in MLB. This figure would likely reflect a multi-year deal, perhaps something in the range of four to six years, depending on the structure of the contract and the competition for his services. While the Dodgers would be committing a significant amount of money to Yamamoto, it would be a prudent investment given his skill set and potential for sustained excellence.

The long-term impact of this investment could be profound for the Dodgers. Yamamoto’s addition to the rotation would ensure that the team remains competitive at the highest level for years to come. If he lives up to his potential, the Dodgers could have one of the most dominant pitching staffs in baseball, giving them an edge in both the regular season and postseason.

Additionally, the signing of Yamamoto would further solidify the Dodgers’ reputation as one of MLB’s premier organizations when it comes to scouting and developing international talent. Having successfully integrated stars like Kenta Maeda and Hiroki Kuroda in the past, the Dodgers would be continuing their tradition of leveraging international markets to build championship-caliber teams.

Moreover, Yamamoto’s signing could create a ripple effect throughout the Dodgers’ roster. The addition of another star pitcher would allow the Dodgers to further strengthen their bullpen and improve their overall depth. With the right moves, the Dodgers could put together a team that is not only capable of competing for a World Series title in the short term but also built for sustained success over the next decade.