The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to pursue superstar Shohei Ohtani in MLB free agency. The fact is that a number of teams will pursue Ohtani this offseason though. As a result, the Dodgers are considering other options.

One player who the team has been linked to is Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In fact, Jorge Castillo and Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reported that LA is “considered a favorite” to sign at least one of Ohtani or Yamamoto, via Yahoo Sports.

Although Yamamoto already projects to be a backup plan if Ohtani signs elsewhere, another Japanese star who Harris and Castillo reported the Dodgers could try to sign is Roki Sazaki.

Dodgers could sign Roki Sazaki?

Sazaki's name may sound familiar to American fans. He pitched in the World Baseball Classic for Team Japan, displaying ace-caliber stuff on the mound.

Article Continues Below
Related Los Angeles Dodgers News
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) stands in the dugout in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts reveals what went wrong in 7-4 loss to GuardiansZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw’s ‘frustrating’ confession despite 1-run start vs. GuardiansMatty Breisch ·
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) inspects his bat during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
How a Shohei Ohtani ‘popup’ shockingly turned into a Dodgers home runZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow (31) reacts after a pitch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers’ insane $102 million IL payroll exceeds 6 MLB teamsBenedetto Vitale ·
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani ties Cody Bellinger on all-time list with HR vs. GuardiansRexwell Villas ·
May 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) looks to throw a pitch in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Yoshinobu Yamamoto talks about ‘reset’ after taming GuardiansMike Gianakos ·

Sazaki is still in his early 20's and there are no guarantees that he will even be available to MLB teams this offseason. If he is though, the Dodgers will certainly be a ball club to keep tabs on.

Los Angeles must address the pitching rotation. Clayton Kershaw is not only a free agent, but he recently underwent shoulder surgery and won't be able to pitch until the middle of 2024 at the earliest. LA also declined Lance Lynn's contract option.

The Dodgers still have hurlers like Bobby Miller and Walker Buehler set to lead the rotation, but adding depth will prove to be of the utmost importance. The Dodgers could also try to sign a big league free agent such as Aaron Nola, or turn to the trade market and look to acquire someone like Tyler Glasnow.

All eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani though. But Yamamoto and Sazaki will also be pitchers to monitor for the Dodgers in free agency.