The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that they plan to have a six-man rotation for the 2025 season. Los Angeles managed to win the World Series despite having only three dependable starters at the time. However, the length of their injured list last season was proof that a team can never have enough pitching. With both these things in mind, they have already signed two-time Cy-Young Award winner Blake Snell and are one of the favorites to sign Roki Sasaki. But they are likely searching for more depth.
Why the Dodgers Need a Sixth Man
Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki are all accustomed to five days of rest between starts as that is the way Japanese baseball operates. In addition, Ohtani is recovering from shoulder surgery after injuring his shoulder in the World Series. As a consequence, he will not be ready to pitch in the starting rotation by Opening Day. Dodgers management also suggested that when the reigning National League Most Valuable Player does return to the mound, it will be under an innings limit.
Additional Reinforcements
Furthermore, starters Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May are all coming off the IL next year. Everyone with the exception of Glasnow will be coming off of surgery of some sort. It is unclear how much time, if any, it will take these pitchers to adjust to the rigors of the regular season.
For his part, Tyler Glasnow has yet to pitch past 140 innings without elbow pain. Thus, a six-man rotation prevents his overuse. Given these circumstances, the Dodgers will have to fill at least one rotation spot before Opening Day.
Three Choices
1) Trade
The Dodgers’ 40-man roster currently sits at 39, and Sasaki and Kershaw are both free agents. A trade before the start of the season is more than likely given that they need at least two spots for these pitchers. But would Los Angeles trade from its farm and position depth for a pitcher? The Seattle Mariners are listening on Luis Castillo. Would the Dodgers trade someone on the roster to give them flexibility? No doubt. But do they want Castillo? And who would the Mariners would want in return? The Dodgers could swing it, but will they?
2) Sign a Free Agent
They could sign a free agent. The only thing it would cost them is money, and Los Angeles has deep pockets. They already have several aces, so a veteran pitcher who could cover innings and add to the pitching depth would be ideal. Charlie Morton and Wade Miley could be viable options, as they are experienced veterans accustomed to pitching in pennant chases.
3) Rely on Organizational Depth
The Dodgers already have one of the deepest farm systems in the major leagues, and Justin Wrobleski, Ben Casparius, and Landon Knack are within arm’s length. Each got some starting experience at the big league level last year, and could be plugged into the starting rotation at any time. It wouldn’t be the splashiest move for Los Angeles, but it could fill the need until the brass decides they need someone else.
A major league season is full of twists and turns and often unexpected injuries, especially in the starting rotation. The Dodgers are well-acquainted with these circumstances and will address it. Hopefully, they won’t need many more than six men, but it is best to be prepared.