Dodgers predicted to sign $38M Cy Young-caliber arm amid Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell concerns
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Dodgers predicted to sign $38M Cy Young-caliber arm amid Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell concerns originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have opened the season with their sights set on a third consecutive World Series title. As the year begins, Los Angeles is searching for early answers—one of the biggest being whether Roki Sasaki can find his rhythm. Sasaki struggled during Spring Training, posting an ERA north of 13.
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“Roki Sasaki said he lost command when trying to work on his sinker in that third inning, causing his forearm to over-pronate. Wasn't able to make the adjustment until the next inning. Added through an interpreter that he wasn't concerned with his spring results (13.50 ERA),” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya wrote.
There are also broader questions surrounding the pitching staff, particularly due to injuries. Veteran Blake Snell did not pitch during Spring Training, but there is a potential timetable for his return.
“Roberts said Tommy Edman and Blake Snell are progressing. End of May for Edman is when he should be an option, Roberts said. Snell around the same time,” Dodgers insider posted.
With Sasaki still searching for consistency and Snell sidelined, the Dodgers could look to free agent Lucas Giolito as a solution.
“A more realistic landing spot for Lucas Giolito would be the Los Angeles Dodgers. It's not like Giolito is looking for a record-breaking contract but most teams may not feel he is worth a risk. We all know the Dodgers have no issue spending money and he would provide them with some much needed depth in their rotation,” FanSided’s Austin Owens wrote. “With one of the most historic offenses in MLB history, the Dodgers are not in need of an ace. They simply need an arm who can take the mound every fifth day and not give up crooked numbers. With Blake Snell on the IL (shoulder fatigue) and Roki Sasaki not living up to expectations, depth in their starting rotation may be one thing keeping them from being a near-perfect team.”
Adding Giolito would give the Dodgers valuable depth. The right-hander showed strong form earlier in his career, finishing sixth in Cy Young voting in 2019 and seventh in 2020.
Los Angeles could likely sign Giolito to a more affordable deal due to his recent injury history and inconsistency. After signing a $38 million deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2024, he is not expected to command that same level of money on his next contract.
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