The Los Angeles Dodgers have made huge moves during this offseason. Chief among these has been the improved pitching staff for both the coming season and the long-term future. Over the past month, the Dodgers have acquired Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
With these Big Three now corralled, the Dodgers have set the stage for an amazing rotation in 2025. [If you wonder why not 2024, one reason is because Ohtani had surgery and won’t pitch until the 2025 season.]
The Dodgers have filled in 60% of their 2025 pitching lineup in a matter of weeks. While the excitement for the 2025 season builds, there’s a lot to consider about just how successful the Dodgers’ pitching roster might be for both 2024 and in 2025.
The 2024 Pitching Outlook for the Dodgers
Yoshinobu Yamamoto looks to become the elite-level ace for the Dodgers. He comes with an amazing resume from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and an arsenal that features a mid-90s fastball, a high-strikeout splitter, and a tight curveball. Yamamoto, who’s only now 25 years old, looks poised to make a significant impact in the majors.
Related: Analyzing the Dodgers’ Key Signings: Yamamoto and Ohtani
However, he also comes with some unknowns. Can he make the transition from Japan to the MLB? In Japan, starting pitchers only pitched once each week; and, Yamamoto will be asked to do more in the MLB. Adjusting to a different culture, a different geography, and an increased pitching frequency introduces a huge level of uncertainty.
Tyler Glasnow is also known to be a pitcher who brings a great pitching arsenal. He has maintained impressive numbers since 2019, boasting a 3.03 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 12.5 K/9. Yet, he too comes with concerns about his workload. The 120 innings pitched last season marked a career-high. At 30 years old, the Dodgers will need to manage his innings to keep him fresh. That will become a crucial factor for sustained success.
Walker Buehler was a two-time All-Star and a former Cy Young contender. However, he underwent Tommy John surgery and hasn’t pitched in the majors since June 10, 2022. While a large number of pitchers have successfully returned from these surgeries, uncertainties remain. Thus, Buehler’s successful comeback is far from guaranteed. He’ll be a storyline to watch if you’re a Dodgers fan.
Even if the Dodgers want to re-sign Clayton Kershaw, he’s recovering from surgery. He might not be back until August. While things look great on paper, on the field the pitching rotation lacks a guaranteed full-season starter.
Still, the talent is undeniable. That said, there is a worst-case scenario. It’s that the rotation might be too patchwork when the season starts.
The Dodgers Are Building a Rotation for 2025
The Dodgers’ strategy hinges on using the 2024 season to answer key questions. Then, banking on the right answers to build a dominating 2025 pitching rotation. While uncertainties loom in the short term, the talent put together by the Dodgers sets the stage for a powerhouse rotation if the practical issues can be resolved.
Currently, the Dodgers’ pitching staff is an interesting blend of potential and uncertainty. As they navigate the 2024 season, each pitcher’s performance will shape the team’s journey. The goal is to survive in 2024 but to dominate major league baseball in 2025.
Related: 3 Reasons Blue Jays Signing Kevin Kiermaier Is a Game-Changer
