Strategic Moves by Dodgers Following Roki Sasaki’s Arrival
The Los Angeles Dodgers have recently acquired Roki Sasaki to enhance their pitching rotation, an addition that could trigger a strategic trade involving one of their current starting pitchers.
Roki Sasaki’s Impact on Dodgers’ Rotation
Roki Sasaki, a promising Japanese pitcher, is poised to join the Dodgers’ pitching staff as part of a planned six-man rotation for the upcoming 2025 season. This move leaves the team with an excess of starting pitchers, including notable names like Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May. Moreover, the imminent re-signing of Clayton Kershaw further complicates the pitching depth for the Dodgers.
Potential Trade of Tony Gonsolin
Amidst the surplus of starting pitchers, CBS analyst Mike Axisa anticipates a probable trade involving Tony Gonsolin, who is set to earn $5.4 million in 2025, with arbitration eligibility in 2026 and free agency in 2027. The Dodgers, known for trading players as they become costlier through arbitration, have a history of parting ways with players like Gavin Lux, Yasiel Puig, Ross Stripling, and Alex Wood.
Axisa highlights Gonsolin, with two more years of control, as a viable trade option due to his recent injury sidelining him for the entire 2024 season. Despite this setback, Gonsolin’s track record and the perpetual demand for starting pitchers in the league position him as a valuable asset in the trade market.
Tony Gonsolin’s Profile and Trade Viability
Tony Gonsolin, a 30-year-old right-hander, showcased his All-Star caliber in 2022 but faced a setback with a season-long injury in 2024. With a respectable 34-11 record and a 3.19 ERA over 375.2 innings in his MLB career, Gonsolin’s reliability as a fourth or fifth starter makes him an attractive trade candidate, as noted by Axisa.
Conclusion
As the Dodgers navigate their pitching roster with the arrival of Roki Sasaki, the potential trade involving Tony Gonsolin reflects the team’s strategic approach to maintain a competitive and balanced lineup. The dynamics of player acquisitions and trades in baseball continue to shape team strategies, indicating the ever-evolving nature of the sport’s landscape.
