Dodgers Add Tanner Scott and Continue to Steamroll After Landing Roki Sasaki
The Los Angeles Dodgers, a franchise known for its pursuit of excellence and its ability to consistently field championship-caliber teams, have once again made a series of moves that have sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball. As the Dodgers continue their relentless pursuit of greatness, the recent acquisitions of Tanner Scott and the highly coveted Roki Sasaki represent a strategic shift in their roster construction. These moves have the potential to push the Dodgers into a new echelon of dominance, both in terms of pitching depth and overall team chemistry.
The Dodgers’ Ongoing Commitment to Excellence
For much of the past decade, the Dodgers have been at the forefront of MLB, consistently winning division titles and making deep playoff runs. Despite this sustained success, one thing has eluded them: a World Series championship. Though they secured their long-awaited title in 2020, the franchise’s commitment to winning did not wane. In fact, the Dodgers’ front office has continued to aggressively target talent that could give them the edge in a highly competitive environment.
The additions of Tanner Scott and Roki Sasaki are emblematic of this philosophy. Both players bring something distinct to the table, and their acquisitions will bolster an already impressive roster.
Tanner Scott: The Left-Handed Fireballer
One of the most significant moves the Dodgers made this offseason was the acquisition of Tanner Scott, a left-handed reliever with a blazing fastball and high strikeout potential. Scott, 29, has had an up-and-down career, but his raw talent and ability to generate swings and misses are undeniable. For the Miami Marlins, Scott posted a 3.09 ERA with a remarkable 12.7 strikeouts per nine innings in 2024, a stat that is particularly enticing given the Dodgers’ desire to add more strikeout-heavy arms to their bullpen.
Scott’s fastball, which can reach speeds in excess of 100 mph, has been his calling card throughout his career. Paired with a wipeout slider, Scott is a weapon against left-handed hitters, and his ability to handle high-leverage situations makes him an invaluable addition to the Dodgers’ bullpen. The addition of Scott gives the Dodgers another dominant left-handed arm to pair with players like Caleb Ferguson, further solidifying their bullpen as one of the most formidable in baseball.
But Scott is not just another fireballing reliever; he is someone who can thrive in tight situations, potentially taking over as the team’s primary left-handed setup man or even emerging as a closer in the future. The Dodgers’ pitching staff has often been their strength in recent years, and Scott’s ability to miss bats and get outs in high-pressure moments will make this staff even more dangerous.
Roki Sasaki: The Japanese Phenom
The biggest acquisition for the Dodgers this offseason, however, may very well be the addition of Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher who has been the talk of Japan for the past few years. Sasaki, who has been compared to the likes of Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, boasts one of the most electric fastballs in the world, capable of reaching triple digits with ease. His control and command over his pitches, however, are what really set him apart. In Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Sasaki has posted eye-popping numbers, including an ERA of 1.23 in 2024 and 202 strikeouts in just 150 innings.
Sasaki’s arrival to Major League Baseball is a game-changer. Not only does he add an ace-level arm to the Dodgers’ rotation, but his mix of fastball velocity and secondary offerings (including a devastating splitter) gives the Dodgers a dynamic pitcher capable of shutting down the toughest lineups in baseball. Sasaki’s potential is limitless, and he has already demonstrated an uncanny ability to dominate in high-leverage situations in Japan, something that is essential when considering his transition to the major leagues.
The Dodgers’ track record with Japanese players speaks for itself: from Hideo Nomo to Kaz Ishii, and more recently, Kenta Maeda, the franchise has successfully cultivated talent from the NPB. Sasaki’s signing represents the latest attempt by the Dodgers to tap into the international market, a market that has provided many of baseball’s brightest stars.
With his electric arm and unique arsenal of pitches, Sasaki can slot into the Dodgers’ rotation behind Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Julio Urías, providing the team with a four-headed monster at the top of the rotation. Having Sasaki as the No. 4 starter in a rotation with such established talent is a luxury, and it’s one that gives the Dodgers one of the deepest pitching staffs in baseball.
How These Moves Affect the Dodgers’ World Series Chances
The addition of Scott and Sasaki has undoubtedly elevated the Dodgers’ roster, but the implications of these moves go beyond just improving the team’s talent pool. The Dodgers’ rotation, which already boasted the likes of Kershaw, Buehler, and Urías, now becomes even more formidable with Sasaki in the mix. Having Sasaki as a reliable No. 4 starter gives the Dodgers the depth necessary to withstand injuries and maintain a high level of performance over the course of a 162-game season.
Meanwhile, the bullpen, which has been a point of strength for the Dodgers in recent years, now boasts even more firepower with the addition of Scott. With the ability to get outs from both lefties and righties, Scott becomes a weapon that manager Dave Roberts can deploy in high-leverage situations, whether it be in the seventh inning or in a pivotal postseason game.
While the Dodgers’ roster has been stacked for years, the additions of Scott and Sasaki give them the ability to match up against any team in the majors, especially in the postseason. With Scott in the bullpen and Sasaki in the rotation, the Dodgers’ pitching staff can match up with any team in a series. A healthy rotation and deep bullpen are two of the key factors that determine success in the postseason, and the Dodgers are now better positioned than ever to make a deep run toward another World Series title.
The Dodgers’ Vision for Sustained Success
The moves to acquire Scott and Sasaki fit within the Dodgers’ larger vision of sustained success. The team has consistently prioritized talent development and international scouting, ensuring that they are not only competitive in the present, but also set up for future success. The Dodgers’ front office has demonstrated a keen understanding of roster construction, from building a deep farm system to making strategic free-agent acquisitions and trades.
While their financial resources are a factor in their ability to pull off blockbuster moves like these, the Dodgers also understand the importance of depth. Building a team that can withstand injuries and slumps is just as important as having stars at the top of the roster. The depth that the Dodgers now have in both their pitching staff and lineup means that they can endure the grueling regular season and emerge as one of the top teams in the postseason.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Dynasty in the Making?
With Scott and Sasaki now in the fold, the Dodgers have positioned themselves as one of the early favorites for the 2025 World Series. However, this team’s success isn’t just about one season. The core of the Dodgers is young, with players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith locked up for several more seasons, and their farm system continues to produce top-tier talent.
The addition of Sasaki brings with it the potential for long-term success. Should Sasaki adjust seamlessly to Major League Baseball, the Dodgers could have an ace-level starter in their rotation for the next decade. This, coupled with the continued development of their young stars, puts them in prime position to not only challenge for a title in 2025, but to become a potential dynasty in the years to come.
The Dodgers’ ability to stay ahead of the curve and make bold, calculated moves is what has kept them at the top of the baseball world for so long. By adding Scott and Sasaki to an already loaded roster, they have once again reinforced their status as the team to beat.
