Introduction The Los Angeles Dodgers are making a strategic shift for the 2025 season by opting for a six-man rotation. This move comes on the heels of their World Series victory with only three reliable starters and a significant number of injuries last season. The Dodgers have already secured the services of Blake Snell and are in contention to sign Roki Sasaki, emphasizing their commitment to bolstering their pitching depth.
Why the Dodgers Need a Sixth Man Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki are accustomed to a five-day rest period between starts due to their experience in Japanese baseball. Ohtani, in particular, is recovering from shoulder surgery, further highlighting the need for additional pitching support. The Dodgers are considering managing Ohtani’s workload carefully, possibly imposing an innings limit upon his return. This cautious approach underscores the importance of a reliable sixth starter in their rotation strategy.
Additional Reinforcements In addition to the incoming talent, the Dodgers will welcome back Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May from the injured list. Most of these pitchers have undergone surgeries and may require time to readjust to the demands of a full season. The introduction of a six-man rotation aims to prevent overuse injuries, particularly crucial for pitchers like Glasnow, who have a history of elbow issues. As the season approaches, the Dodgers must secure at least one more starter to complete their rotation setup effectively.
Three Choices 1) Trade Given the roster dynamics and the impending free agency of key players like Sasaki and Kershaw, the Dodgers are likely to explore trade options to accommodate their pitching needs. The potential trade for Luis Castillo from the Seattle Mariners presents an intriguing opportunity, but questions remain about the feasibility and terms of such a deal. Balancing roster depth with acquiring a proven pitcher will be a strategic challenge for the Dodgers in the lead-up to the season.
2) Sign a Free Agent Opting for a free-agent acquisition provides the Dodgers with a straightforward solution, albeit at a financial cost. With established veterans like Charlie Morton and Wade Miley available, Los Angeles can add experienced arms to their pitching arsenal without sacrificing prospects or roster flexibility. The financial resources at the Dodgers’ disposal make this avenue a viable and attractive option to further strengthen their rotation depth.
3) Rely on Organizational Depth Drawing from their rich farm system, the Dodgers can tap into emerging talents like Justin Wrobleski, Ben Casparius, and Landon Knack to address their pitching requirements. While not as headline-grabbing as trades or free-agent signings, promoting from within offers a cost-effective and sustainable strategy for sustaining their rotation over the long season. Leveraging their organizational depth showcases the Dodgers’ commitment to nurturing talent from within their system.
A major league season is replete with uncertainties, especially concerning injuries and pitching rotations. The Dodgers’ proactive approach to adopting a six-man rotation reflects their adaptability and readiness to navigate unforeseen challenges. As they finalize their rotation plans, the Dodgers’ emphasis on depth and flexibility positions them well to contend for success in the upcoming season.