The Dodgers’ Pitching Overhaul: The Best Rotation and Bullpen in Baseball?
- Daniel Arceo-Rodriguez
- Jan 29
- 4 min read
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK JANUARY 29, 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff has been completely redefined this offseason with the addition of several elite arms, positioning the team at the forefront of Major League Baseball's pitching ranks. Key signings, including Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates, are set to complement a rotation that already features the potential return of Shohei Ohtani.
The Dodgers’ aggressive approach to bolstering their pitching depth is no surprise. Even if it means more deferred contracts, the team has brought in some of the top free-agent pitchers in the market to ensure long-term success.
LHP Blake Snell
The Dodgers secured two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell with a five-year, $182 million contract in November. Snell was one of the most valuable pitchers available and had an outstanding second half in 2024, finishing with a 3.12 ERA, 145 strikeouts, and a 1.048 WHIP over 104 innings (MLB.com). Known for his devastating fastball-slider combination, Snell provides the Dodgers with a top rotation option capable of dominating hitters.
RHP Roki Sasaki
The Dodgers took a chance on 23-year-old Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki by signing him to a minor league deal with a $6.5 million signing bonus. Widely regarded as one of the brightest young pitchers in the world, Sasaki boasts a 100-mph fastball and a splitter that generated a 57.1% whiff rate in 2024 (Baseball Reference). While his growth will be crucial to the team’s success in 2025, Sasaki’s raw talent makes him a high-upside addition who could earn a spot in the major league rotation.
LHP Tanner Scott
To strengthen their bullpen, the Dodgers signed left-handed reliever Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal following an outstanding 2024 season. Scott posted a 1.75 ERA, 84 strikeouts, and 22 saves over 72 innings (MLB.com). His dom
inance in high-leverage situations will provide the Dodgers with a reliable closer, adding depth and stability to the bullpen.
RHP Kirby Yates
Veteran closer Kirby Yates was signed to a one-year, $13 million contract after posting a career-best 1.17 ERA and 33 saves over 61.2 innings for the Texas Rangers in 2024 (MLB.com). Yates’s experience as a closer will further bolster the Dodgers' bullpen, providing stability in late-game situations.
Rotation Breakdown
If all goes according to plan, the Dodgers will boast one of the most stacked rotations in baseball, featuring a mix of proven veterans and emerging stars:
RHP Shohei Ohtani — After missing the 2024 season due to arm recovery, Ohtani is expected to return to the mound in 2025. In 2023, he posted a 3.14 ERA, 167 strikeouts, and a 1.06 WHIP in 132 innings, cementing his status as one of the best pitchers in the game when healthy (MLB.com). His return will make the Dodgers’ rotation even more dangerous, further solidifying the team's championship aspirations.
LHP Blake Snell — Snell’s addition to the rotation will be a game-changer. With a 3.12 ERA, 145 strikeouts, and a 1.05 WHIP from 2024, Snell is poised to make an even bigger impact in 2025 with a full offseason to prepare.
RHP Tyler Glasnow — Glasnow’s five-year, $136.5 million extension makes him a key piece in the rotation. With a 3.49 ERA, 168 strikeouts, and a 0.95 WHIP over 134 innings in 2024, Glasnow brings a blazing fastball and an unhittable curveball to the table.
RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto — Signed to a historic 12-year, $325 million contract, Yamamoto was one of the most anticipated signings of the offseason. In his rookie 2024 MLB season, he posted a 3.00 ERA, 105 strikeouts, and a 1.11 WHIP over 90 innings (MLB.com). While he missed some time due to a rotator cuff injury, Yamamoto’s precision and strike-zone control make him an elite addition to the Dodgers’ rotation.
RHP Roki Sasaki — Sasaki's explosive stuff, including a 100-mph fastball and a splitter with a 57.1% whiff rate in 2024, makes him a high-upside arm who could evolve into a future ace for the Dodgers.
RHP Tony Gonsolin/RHP Dustin May — The final spot in the rotation will likely be a competition between Gonsolin, who posted a 4.98 ERA in 2024, and May, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery but has shown flashes of brilliance. Whomever wins the spot will provide the Dodgers with valuable depth.
Bullpen Depth
The additions of Kirby Yates and Tanner Scott give the Dodgers a well-rounded, formidable bullpen.
Kirby Yates — Known for his powerful fastball and devastating splitter, Yates has the experience to close games or serve as a reliable setup man. His veteran presence gives the Dodgers flexibility and ensures a reliable late-inning option alongside Ryan Brasier and Blake Treinen, both of whom are capable of handling high-leverage situations.
Tanner Scott — Scott adds a dominant left-handed option to the bullpen. Known for his 100 mph fastball and sharp slider, Scott is a tough matchup for left-handed hitters. His high strikeout rate (12.8 strikeouts per 9 innings in 2024) and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him a key addition to the bullpen.
The existing depth includes power arms like Michael Kopech and Blake Treinen, known for their high velocity and ability to perform in high-leverage situations. Lefties like Alex Vesia and Anthony Banda add additional matchup flexibility. With strong pitchers like Brusdar Graterol, Ryan Brasier, and Ben Casparius, the Dodgers now have a well-rounded bullpen that can dominate late in games, making it one of the most formidable in baseball.
Conclusion
With a rotation featuring elite talents like Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki, paired with a bullpen anchored by Kirby Yates, Tanner Scott, and a host of proven power arms, the Los Angeles Dodgers are almost guaranteed to dominate on the mound in 2025. This depth and versatility provide the Dodgers with a rare advantage, offering flexibility, high-leverage options, and the ability to handle any challenge late in games. If these pitchers perform as expected, the Dodgers' pitching staff could emerge as the most formidable in all of baseball, setting the stage for a championship-contending season.
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