The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been known for their successful approach to building a top-tier pitching staff, with a combination of elite talent, strategic acquisitions, and player development. Heading into the 2025 season, the Dodgers are poised to have one of the most intriguing rotations in all of baseball, especially with the addition of Roki Sasaki, the Japanese pitching phenom. The 23-year-old right-hander, already a sensation in Japan, is expected to bring a new level of excitement and dominance to the Dodgers’ pitching staff, which also boasts Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and several other talented arms.
In this article, we will explore how Sasaki fits into the Dodgers’ rotation and how the team could structure its staff to maximize success in 2025 and beyond. We’ll examine the overall pitching staff, how Sasaki complements other pitchers like Ohtani and Glasnow, and the impact he could have on the team’s championship aspirations.
Roki Sasaki: The New Ace in Town
Roki Sasaki, often referred to as Japan’s version of a phenom, is a pitcher who has quickly gained international recognition for his prodigious talent. He was the youngest ever pitcher to throw a perfect game in NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball), and his fastball routinely reaches triple digits, touching 102 mph. However, it’s not just his velocity that makes him special—his pitching arsenal also includes a devastating splitter and a sharp slider that make him a potential ace in any rotation.
Sasaki’s combination of power, control, and secondary offerings is almost unparalleled for a young pitcher. His ability to generate swings and misses across the strike zone will allow him to be an immediate impact player in MLB. The Dodgers, known for their ability to develop pitchers and maximize their potential, will likely help Sasaki refine his command, build up his endurance, and adjust to the nuances of pitching in North America.
With the potential to become an elite starter from Day 1, Sasaki provides the Dodgers with a front-of-the-rotation option that pairs seamlessly with the other big names in the organization.
Shohei Ohtani: The All-Star Two-Way Phenomenon
When the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani, they acquired arguably the most unique player in the history of baseball. Ohtani, a dual-threat pitcher and hitter, offers unparalleled versatility and has the potential to be a top-tier ace on the mound while also being one of the game’s most dynamic hitters.
While Ohtani’s primary role in 2025 is expected to be as a starting pitcher, his bat will continue to be a significant factor in the Dodgers’ offensive lineup. In terms of pitching, Ohtani has a mid-to-high 90s fastball, a devastating splitter, and a slider that has kept hitters off balance for years. He has shown the ability to dominate when healthy and should remain one of the league’s best pitchers in 2025.
The addition of Sasaki provides the Dodgers with a second ace-type pitcher who can complement Ohtani’s style. Ohtani’s left-handedness, combined with Sasaki’s right-handed arsenal, provides a well-rounded and balanced duo at the top of the rotation, with two power pitchers who are capable of shutting down opposing offenses.
Tyler Glasnow: The Powerful Right-Hander
Tyler Glasnow was traded to the Dodgers in 2024 in a move designed to add another power arm to their rotation. The 6’8″ Glasnow is known for his explosive fastball and sharp curveball, which can be a lethal combination when he’s on top of his game. Despite some injury setbacks over the years, Glasnow has the raw stuff to be a top-tier pitcher, capable of dominating hitters with his arsenal.
Glasnow’s inclusion in the Dodgers’ rotation gives them another pitcher who can generate strikeouts in bunches. His ability to pair with Sasaki, a fellow hard-throwing right-hander, gives the team flexibility in matchups and depth in their starting staff. Both Glasnow and Sasaki have similar strengths in terms of power stuff and strikeout potential, but their pitching styles differ. Glasnow’s curveball is his out-pitch, while Sasaki relies heavily on his splitter, giving the Dodgers a rotation with multiple strikeout options.
The presence of both Glasnow and Sasaki strengthens the Dodgers’ ability to dominate lineups throughout the regular season and into the postseason. Glasnow’s high velocity and devastating curve will keep hitters off balance, while Sasaki’s ability to throw multiple pitches for strikes gives him a similar level of dominance.
Clayton Kershaw: The Veteran Leader
Although much of the focus will be on the young guns in the Dodgers’ rotation, it would be remiss not to mention the impact of Clayton Kershaw, one of the best pitchers of his generation. Kershaw, though in the latter stages of his career, continues to be a reliable and effective option in the rotation. While his velocity has dropped somewhat, his ability to command the ball and generate weak contact makes him a valuable asset.
Kershaw provides veteran leadership and playoff experience, two attributes that could be invaluable to the younger arms in the rotation, especially Sasaki and Ohtani. His ability to pitch in high-leverage situations, such as during the postseason, cannot be overstated. Kershaw’s experience and presence in the clubhouse will help stabilize the rotation, allowing the younger arms to focus on their development and adjusting to the challenges of MLB competition.
Julio Urías: The Consistent Performer
Julio Urías, another key member of the Dodgers’ rotation, provides consistency and stability. Urías has emerged as one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball, known for his ability to generate ground balls, pitch deep into games, and handle big moments. While not as overpowering as some of his rotation mates, Urías has mastered the art of pitching to contact, keeping hitters off balance with his fastball, curveball, and changeup.
Urías’ left-handedness gives the Dodgers another weapon against right-handed-heavy lineups, and his ability to eat innings makes him an ideal candidate for the middle of the rotation. His presence provides balance and depth behind the ace-caliber arms of Ohtani, Sasaki, and Glasnow, making the Dodgers’ rotation a formidable group from top to bottom.
The Potential 2025 Dodgers Pitching Rotation
Given the arsenal of talent at their disposal, the Dodgers’ rotation could look something like this in 2025:
- Shohei Ohtani – The two-way phenom will likely head the rotation, with his electric stuff and ability to dominate on the mound.
- Roki Sasaki – The Japanese sensation slots in as a potential ace, offering a lethal fastball-splitter combination and a unique skillset.
- Tyler Glasnow – A powerful right-hander with strikeout potential, Glasnow provides another weapon in a rotation full of top-tier arms.
- Clayton Kershaw – The veteran lefty will continue to be an integral part of the rotation, providing leadership, experience, and consistency.
- Julio Urías – A steady presence in the rotation, Urías’ ability to manage games and pitch deep into outings makes him an ideal No. 5 starter.
Depth and Flexibility
The depth of the Dodgers’ pitching staff in 2025 will be a major asset. With the combination of power pitchers like Ohtani, Sasaki, and Glasnow, as well as the crafty veterans Kershaw and Urías, the team will have a rotation capable of handling any situation. Should any of the starters face injury issues or need rest, the Dodgers can rely on their depth to fill in.
The Dodgers also have a strong bullpen, featuring power arms like Brusdar Graterol and Evan Phillips, which allows them to take risks with their starters, knowing they have a solid relief corps behind them. The team’s rotation will allow for plenty of flexibility in terms of matchups, and the ability to mix and match pitchers depending on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses will be a significant advantage.
