The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly one of the three finalists for Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, with the San Diego Padres and the Toronto Blue Jays also in the running for the highly sought-after talent. According to several MLB insiders, these three teams remain in the race to secure Sasaki’s services for the upcoming season. However, recent developments could potentially lead the Dodgers to explore a reunion with Jack Flaherty, a player they previously acquired as a “rental” in 2024, should their pursuit of Sasaki fall through.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Flaherty, who had initially hoped for a more lucrative free-agent contract, is now considering signing a short-term deal with opt-out clauses. This shift in Flaherty’s plans has opened the door for the Dodgers to potentially bring him back, especially given their current pitching situation. According to Valentina Martinez of Dodgers Nation, this could provide a viable option for Los Angeles if Sasaki chooses to sign with either the Padres or Blue Jays.
Despite the loss of Walker Buehler to the Boston Red Sox, the Dodgers appear to have a formidable starting rotation, bolstered by several key acquisitions. Blake Snell was signed away from the San Francisco Giants, joining a group that already includes notable names like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and potentially Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers are reportedly planning to use a six-man rotation, at least until Ohtani is fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and able to contribute on the mound once again. However, Ohtani’s return to his previous form is not guaranteed, and there are also concerns regarding the injury histories of Glasnow, Gonsolin, and May.
In light of these uncertainties, the Dodgers’ rotation could quickly become a cause for concern if any injuries arise, especially if Sasaki opts for a team other than Los Angeles. The Dodgers, known for their financial flexibility, might view bringing Flaherty back on a short-term deal with a higher average annual value as a reasonable move to bolster their pitching depth. This strategy could serve as insurance, ensuring they are well-prepared to defend their 2024 World Series title, regardless of how their efforts to sign Sasaki ultimately unfold.
