3 Los Angeles Dodgers who are as good as gone after signing Roki Sasaki

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most successful and prestigious franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB), known for their commitment to excellence both on and off the field. With a rich history of success, the Dodgers have consistently been a playoff contender and a team capable of attracting top-tier talent. In recent years, the team has made strategic moves to strengthen its roster, and the signing of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki has been one of the most significant moves in their pursuit of another World Series championship.

Roki Sasaki, the Japanese right-handed pitcher, is considered one of the top pitching prospects globally. With his electric fastball, devastating splitter, and pinpoint accuracy, Sasaki has the potential to be a cornerstone of any MLB rotation. His arrival in Los Angeles will certainly bolster the Dodgers’ already impressive pitching staff, which includes the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and Walker Buehler. However, this acquisition comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to roster space. The Dodgers will need to make some difficult decisions about which players to part ways with in order to accommodate Sasaki’s addition to the team.

1. David Price: A Veteran’s Time in LA Could Be Up

David Price is a veteran pitcher who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 after being traded from the Boston Red Sox as part of the deal that also brought Mookie Betts to LA. At the time, Price was expected to provide a steady presence in the Dodgers’ rotation. However, his tenure in Los Angeles has been less impactful than expected. Price opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns about COVID-19, and while he returned in 2021, he spent a significant portion of the year in the bullpen rather than starting.

As the Dodgers continue to refine their roster, Price’s spot on the team may no longer be secure. The signing of Roki Sasaki only intensifies this situation, as the Dodgers already have a deep pitching staff. With Kershaw, Urías, Buehler, and the additions of young arms like Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, the Dodgers have plenty of options for the rotation and bullpen.

Price is a seasoned veteran with a pedigree of postseason experience, but his age (he’ll be 39 in 2025) and relatively underwhelming performance in recent years could make him expendable. Additionally, Price’s contract could be a factor in the decision-making process. He’s owed $16 million for the 2025 season, and while his salary isn’t exorbitant by modern MLB standards, the Dodgers may find it difficult to justify keeping him on the roster given their already-loaded pitching staff.

In the event of a trade, Price could be appealing to a team in need of a veteran presence in the rotation or bullpen. He has a history of success in the postseason, and some teams may value his leadership and experience. For the Dodgers, moving on from Price could free up valuable payroll space, allowing them to make additional moves to improve their roster elsewhere.

2. A.J. Pollock: Outfielder on the Outs

A.J. Pollock has been a key contributor to the Los Angeles Dodgers since signing with the team in 2019. He’s provided stability in the outfield, a solid bat, and leadership to the clubhouse. However, Pollock’s time in Los Angeles could soon be coming to an end, particularly in light of Sasaki’s signing.

Pollock’s contract runs through the 2025 season, but his role on the team may be in jeopardy due to the Dodgers’ crowded outfield. With stars like Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, and Chris Taylor already locked into key roles, there may not be enough room for Pollock to contribute regularly. The emergence of younger players like Gavin Lux, who can also play the outfield, and the presence of utility players like Taylor only further complicate Pollock’s situation.

Pollock is a productive player when healthy, but his injury history has kept him from consistently staying on the field. In 2021, he missed time with a hamstring injury, and while he’s been relatively healthy in 2022 and 2023, his inability to stay healthy long-term could make him a more expendable piece for the Dodgers. With a crowded outfield and the Dodgers likely looking to clear roster space, Pollock’s name could be floated in trade discussions, particularly if a team in need of a solid left-handed bat is willing to take on his contract.

While Pollock’s contributions have been appreciated by Dodgers fans, his departure could be necessary for the team to make room for future stars like Sasaki and other players in need of playing time. If the Dodgers do decide to move on from Pollock, his veteran presence and ability to hit for power could make him an attractive option for other teams in need of an experienced outfielder.

3. Corey Seager: The Shortstop’s Future with the Dodgers Is Uncertain

Corey Seager’s future with the Los Angeles Dodgers has been the subject of much speculation in recent years. Seager, who was the 2020 World Series MVP, has been one of the team’s most reliable hitters and has earned multiple All-Star selections. However, the Dodgers’ signing of Roki Sasaki could accelerate the team’s need to make some tough roster decisions, and Seager could be one of the casualties of the roster shake-up.

Seager is slated to be a free agent following the 2025 season, and given the Dodgers’ financial situation, they may have to choose between retaining him or making room for younger players who are on the rise. With the addition of Sasaki and the team’s current payroll commitments, the Dodgers could find it difficult to justify signing Seager to a long-term contract, especially with other positional needs to address.

The emergence of Gavin Lux as a versatile option at shortstop and second base, combined with the Dodgers’ depth in the infield, could make Seager more expendable than in previous years. Seager’s ability to hit for power and maintain a strong on-base percentage means he would be valuable to many teams, and the Dodgers could decide to trade him before his contract expires in order to maximize his value.

While Seager has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ offense, his potential departure would not be without precedent in Los Angeles. The Dodgers have historically been willing to make tough roster decisions in order to remain competitive, and moving on from Seager could be the next step in that philosophy. If the Dodgers decide to part ways with Seager, they will likely look to replenish their infield through trades or free agency while also ensuring that they remain financially flexible for future roster moves.