Dodgers Set Their Sights on Two Championships in a Row and Unstoppable Dynasty Ahead
The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off an incredible season where they not only secured a World Series title but also demonstrated their resilience in overcoming a slew of injuries. As they look to defend their championship and build a dynasty that could dominate for years, they face the important task of strengthening their roster through the free-agent market. With an already loaded roster and a front office committed to winning now, the Dodgers’ approach to the offseason will be pivotal in their pursuit of multiple championships.
The Dodgers are no strangers to high-profile signings, and this year’s free-agent class offers several intriguing options. As they aim to maintain their place at the top of the MLB hierarchy, they are in the mix for several key free agents who could help them maintain their championship status or add another layer of talent to an already stacked roster. However, not all free agents are created equal, and some may not fit the Dodgers’ long-term vision. Let’s take a closer look at four free agents the Dodgers should target, along with two they should steer clear of.
1. Roki Sasaki – Starting Pitcher
The 23-year-old Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki is arguably one of the most exciting pitchers on the market. Having dazzled in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, Sasaki is widely regarded as a generational talent. His fastball consistently exceeds 100 MPH, and his overall skill set is considered to be on par with some of the best pitchers in the world. In 2024, Sasaki posted a career-worst ERA of 2.35, but it’s important to note that a 2.35 ERA is still exceptional in any league. His career ERA in Japan remains an eye-popping 2.02, underscoring his dominance on the mound.
Sasaki has also shown the ability to miss bats at an elite level, recording 524 strikeouts in just 414.2 innings, including a perfect game with 19 strikeouts in 2022. With such a resume, it’s easy to see why the Dodgers would be interested in bringing him aboard. His pitching arsenal, including a devastating fastball and a slider that has kept hitters off balance, would immediately bolster the Dodgers’ rotation.
One of the key advantages the Dodgers have in signing Sasaki is their history of working with international players, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom are also from Japan. These connections could help Sasaki make the transition to Major League Baseball (MLB), and his former teammates may play an important role in his development. However, it’s worth noting that Sasaki’s salary will be capped due to the MLB’s international signing rules, which means that while the price tag may be lower than expected, teams will have to sell Sasaki on other factors such as stability, player development, and lifestyle.
For a team like the Dodgers, who are looking to add elite talent without breaking the bank, Sasaki presents an opportunity to secure an ace-caliber arm for a relatively affordable cost. Despite concerns about the potential for injury, given Sasaki’s reliance on a 100+ MPH fastball and his lack of MLB innings, his immense upside makes him an appealing target.
2. Willy Adames – Shortstop/Third Base
Willy Adames is coming off a career year with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he hit 32 home runs and posted a solid slash line of .251/.331/.462. The Dodgers have been searching for a reliable bat to add depth to their lineup, particularly someone who can capitalize on the on-base opportunities provided by players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani. Adames could fit that bill perfectly, offering power and the ability to drive in runs in the middle of the order.
Adames’ ability to switch positions—he’s played both shortstop and second base—also gives the Dodgers flexibility in how they deploy him. While Gavin Lux has been a mainstay in the infield, Adames could either take over at shortstop or slide over to third base, depending on the team’s needs. Adding him would give the Dodgers more depth and another potential cleanup hitter behind Betts, Freeman, and Ohtani. His power at the plate would give the Dodgers an additional bat to help produce runs when they need them most.
The Dodgers’ interest in Adames likely signals that they are ready to move on from Lux as an everyday starter, and Adames could be the perfect replacement. Given his strong defensive capabilities and his ability to drive the ball, Adames would be a significant upgrade over any infield options currently on the market.
3. Teoscar Hernández – Outfielder
Teoscar Hernández was one of the most important contributors to the Dodgers’ championship run in 2024, providing much-needed power in the middle of the order. Despite missing key players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy for stretches, Hernández helped keep the lineup afloat with his 33 home runs and impressive .840 OPS. His performance in the postseason, including three home runs and a .352 on-base percentage, solidified his status as a key member of the team.
Hernández’s one-year stint with the Dodgers was successful, and with the team looking to defend its title, it makes sense for them to prioritize bringing him back. His power bat and consistent performance make him an ideal fit for a team looking to add depth to its already potent lineup. Furthermore, Hernández’s familiarity with the team and the clubhouse makes him a natural addition, ensuring a seamless transition for the upcoming season.
4. Corbin Burnes – Starting Pitcher
Corbin Burnes is one of the best pitchers in the game today and would be an instant upgrade to any rotation. The 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner has consistently been among the top arms in MLB, and he proved his worth once again in 2024 with a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts over 194.1 innings. Burnes’ ability to generate swings and misses, coupled with his career postseason ERA of 2.33, makes him one of the most reliable pitchers available this offseason.
The Dodgers’ rotation could use another elite arm to complement the likes of Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and the incoming Yamamoto, and Burnes would fit seamlessly into the mix. His pedigree and track record of success make him a perfect candidate for a team like the Dodgers, who have championship aspirations year in and year out.
However, Burnes will come with a hefty price tag, as he will be one of the top pitchers sought after this offseason. Given the Dodgers’ ability to spend, they should prioritize Burnes and potentially make him the centerpiece of their rotation for years to come.
5. Jack Flaherty – Starting Pitcher (Avoid)
Jack Flaherty has been an intriguing name in recent seasons, and while he had a solid 2024 campaign, his overall track record raises concerns for the Dodgers. Flaherty was once a rising star with the St. Louis Cardinals, but injuries and inconsistency have hindered his development in recent years. After a decent bounce-back season in 2024, Flaherty posted a 3.17 ERA with 194 strikeouts, but there are still lingering doubts about his durability and ability to perform at a consistently high level.
Flaherty’s 2024 postseason performance, in which he posted a 7.36 ERA over 22 innings, only adds to the skepticism surrounding his reliability in high-leverage situations. Given the Dodgers’ injury-prone pitching staff, taking a risk on Flaherty might not be the best move. There are simply too many other proven options available on the market to take a chance on Flaherty, whose inconsistency could potentially jeopardize the team’s chances at another championship.
6. Juan Soto – Outfielder (Avoid)
Juan Soto is one of the most talented hitters in baseball, and his production speaks for itself. In 2024, Soto slashed .288/.419/.569 with a career-high 41 home runs and an impressive .988 OPS. His offensive excellence would undoubtedly be a massive addition to any lineup, and the Dodgers have shown interest in the outfielder. However, there are a few concerns that may lead the team to pass on him.
Soto’s defensive range has been a point of contention, and as he ages, there is a real possibility that he could eventually be relegated to a designated hitter role, which would conflict with Shohei Ohtani’s spot in the lineup. The Dodgers have already committed significant resources to Ohtani, and locking up Soto for a 10- to 11-year deal could create long-term complications.
While Soto’s offensive production is undeniable, his potential to become a defensive liability in the future, coupled with the immense price tag, makes him a risky investment for the Dodgers. If the market for Soto softens, the Dodgers may reconsider their position, but for now, it may be best to look elsewhere.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a unique position to continue building a dynasty. They have the talent, resources, and ambition to remain at the top of the MLB for years to come. By targeting free agents like Roki Sasaki, Willy Adames, Teoscar Hernández, and Corbin Burnes, they could further solidify their roster and enhance their chances of winning multiple championships. However, the Dodgers should be cautious with players like Jack Flaherty and Juan Soto, whose long-term potential risks may outweigh the immediate benefits. With the right moves, the Dodgers can set themselves up for a sustained period of success, making their dynasty one that could rival some of the greatest teams in baseball history.
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