The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation was inconsistent this season due to injuries. As a result, the Dodgers could be looking to add more depth this offseason.
While predicting free agency moves, Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston predicted that the Dodgers would be in the running to sign Nippon Professional Baseball star Tomoyuki Sugano. Sugano is expected to join Major League Baseball after 12 seasons in NPB, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan
"Do not discount those pesky Dodgers, whose greatest weakness has been and continues to be starting pitching," Beaston wrote of Sugano's potential suitors.
Last winter the Dodgers signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million deal. Yamamoto had only spent seven seasons in NPB, so the Dodgers were also responsible for an "around $50 million" posting fee, according to MLB.com's Sonja Chen.
Unlike Yamamoto, Sugano will not have to be posted as he has already spent the required number of years in NPB to earn the rights to international free agency.
"Players in NPB earn the right to international free agency after nine seasons," wrote Passan. "Sugano has spent a dozen years with the Giants, going 136-75, including a league-high win total at 15-3 this year, and he is still primed to pitch for Yomiuri in the Central Climax Series."
The Dodgers may lose Jack Flaherty in free agency and could be looking to replace him, as well as add depth in case they deal with injuries again. They should also be getting Shohei Ohtani back on the mound and in their rotation.
Sugano will turn 35 this year but has been phenomenal in 2024. He had a 1.678 ERA in 24 outings. He has won the Sawamura Award, the equivalent of the Cy Young, twice, two Central League Most Valuable Player Awards, and four ERA Titles.
