ESPN Reports: Los Angeles Dodgers are to strengthen bulging bullpen with the Atlanta Braves Ace, to a six-year, $156 million contract…See Details
Reports believes that the Los Angeles Dodgers are to strengthen their already bulging bullpen with the Atlanta Braves ace.
The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be positioned well in the hunt for Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried, who’s projected to attract a six-year, $156 million contract. Fried, a consistent force for the Braves with a career ERA under 3.00 since 2020, could be a perfect fit for the Dodgers, a team that’s been laser-focused on bolstering their rotation after injuries have left gaps in their usual pitching depth. With Clayton Kershaw potentially sidelined until midseason and Shohei Ohtani not pitching until 2025 due to injury rehab, Los Angeles is exploring options that can keep them competitive from day one of the 2025 season.
Given Fried’s background and his ties to Southern California, the Dodgers are a tempting choice for him personally and strategically. As a two-time All-Star and an experienced postseason pitcher, Fried brings both the reliability and high ceiling that teams covet in a potential ace. For the Dodgers, Fried would complement their current rotation strategy that blends high-cost stars with younger talent. This approach has worked wonders in the past, especially given their track record of signing high-caliber pitchers like Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while managing to build a formidable bullpen through both established and emerging players.
Meanwhile, the Braves face challenges keeping Fried due to rising contract expectations across the league, especially in a year where star pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell are also set to test free agency waters. Though Atlanta may wish to hold on to Fried, their payroll commitments suggest they may prioritize other players if his price escalates, as many insiders predict. Los Angeles, one of the few teams with budget flexibility, could potentially swoop in as the Braves hesitate.
If Fried signs, he’ll add to an already dynamic Dodgers roster and would likely slot in as a front-line starter alongside Ohtani (eventually) and other key players, giving the team a formidable pitching arsenal. For Fried, this opportunity also brings him closer to his roots and into a system that has shown a knack for playoff success and marquee matchups.
The Dodgers’ willingness to spend big to address their pitching needs makes them a strong contender, and if they secure Fried, it could push them even closer to a title next season and set them up to contend for years to come.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers might still be celebrating their World Series title but there is no question that they still need some help in certain positions. Even after some good performances from pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto reinforcements are on their way.
While Shohei Ohtani is set to pitch in 2025 he is just starting his recovery after a torn labrum surgery. Reports indicate that he is set to be ready for Spring Training, however there is uncertainty on when he will be at 100%.
So, with this being said, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking for pitchers to boost their staff, especially in the starting rotation and they may just have found what they are looking for.
Rōki Sasaki, 92mph Splitter and 102mph Fastball, Individual Pitches + Overlay pic.twitter.com/pSu8cvaW9n
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) November 5, 2024
The probable logic choice
Looking in the international market, the Dodgers are eyeing one young pitcher that looks to hit the Major League Baseball market soon. 23-year-old Japanese star Roki Saski is headed to America.
If he indeed decides to go to the Majors, Sasaki could make around $7 million per year at the very least, but the Dodgers have the money to fulfil desires so they would very much offer more money.
According to experts, it seems that Los Angeles is the heavy favorite to sign the youngster. Sasaki has 102mph fastball he repeatedly showed during the World Baseball Classic back in 2023.
Shohei Ohtani‘s recovery from arthroscopic surgery for the shoulder injury he suffered during the World Series is scheduled for him to return in February during spring training next season, but it may not be as easy as planned.
According to a video posted on the Sports Injury CentralX account, sports physician Dr. David J. Chao expressed doubts about whether the recovery time will be in line with the expectations of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“We talked about the likelihood of surgery after the season, he underwent shoulder labrum repair surgery. The Dodgers say he will be ready for spring training, but we don’t believe it,” said Dr. David J. Chao in a video on social media.
Ohtani could surprise with record comeback
The sports specialist’s predictions are discouraging for Dodgers fans, especially for Japanese fans who hope to see him ready in the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19, where Ohtani is expected to have his first game as a pitcher.
Last season he surprised with a high performance after ulnar collateral ligament surgery, but according to Dr. Chao, this time he may need more time to be ready, but the motivation to perform in front of his home crowd is likely to tempt him back.
“The Dodgers actually play in Japan early, in mid-March. That’s a very difficult schedule for him to come back to play. He won’t be ready for the start of spring training,” said the sports doctor, who has 17 years of experience with NFL teams.
Ohtani injured his non-throwing shoulder sliding into second base in a stolen base attempt in Game 2 of the World Series, resulting in a dislocated shoulder. He returned to play in the next three games to help the Dodgers beat the Yankees.
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