The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a series of major roster moves ahead of the 2025 Tokyo Series, where they will face the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19. These moves reflect the team’s commitment to remaining a dominant force in Major League Baseball, bolstering both their lineup and pitching rotation.
Key Player Acquisitions
One of the biggest headlines was the Dodgers’ acquisition of Shohei Ohtani, who signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023. In his first season with the team, Ohtani delivered an unprecedented performance, hitting 54 home runs and stealing 50 bases, making MLB history. Though he has not pitched since undergoing elbow surgery, he is expected to resume his two-way role in the near future.
Another major addition was Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a dominant Japanese pitcher who signed a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million deal. While injuries sidelined him for part of the 2024 season, he returned strong in the postseason and is expected to be a key part of the rotation in 2025.
In addition to Yamamoto, the Dodgers secured another top Japanese prospect, Roki Sasaki, as a non-roster invitee for spring training. Sasaki, one of the hardest-throwing young pitchers in baseball, is likely to start the season in the major leagues and could be a game-changer for the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
The Dodgers also addressed their infield depth by signing Hyeseong Kim, a South Korean infielder known for his defensive versatility and speed. Kim joined the team on a three-year, $12.5 million contract, providing flexibility in the middle infield.
Managerial Update
Alongside their roster changes, the Dodgers secured manager Dave Roberts with a four-year, $32.4 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid manager in MLB history. Roberts has led the Dodgers to two World Series titles and four National League pennants since taking over in 2015.
Looking Ahead to the Tokyo Series
The Dodgers’ roster shake-up positions them well for their upcoming games in Tokyo. Their international acquisitions will likely be a huge draw for Japanese and Korean fans, especially with Ohtani and Yamamoto returning to their home country.
With a star-studded lineup and a reinforced pitching rotation, the Dodgers are setting themselves up for another deep postseason run in 2025. Their aggressive moves signal their intent to remain at the top of Major League Baseball.