Los Angeles

Dodgers

We’re shocked 10 teams didn’t bother to make at least an initial pitch to Sasaki at all. Wolfe added that his client is currently back in Japan with his family determining his next steps, which will most likely include narrowing his potential destinations, after several in-person meetings with prospective clubs earlier this month in Los Angeles. The 23-year-old phenom, whose posting window doesn’t close until January 23, is expected to make his final decision at some point in mid-to-late January. We’re fairly confident at least a half-dozen teams have met with Sasaki at this point including the Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Rangers and Giants.

Sasaki is now the top pitcher on the market with Corbin Burnes signing on with the Diamondbacks, and the 23-year-old right-hander has had reported interest from a bevy of suitors. The Dodgers did sign Blake Snell to kick off the big spending of the winter, but they’re still considered one of the favorites to land Sasaki. The Cubs, Mets, Yankees and Rangers appear to be the strongest players for his service so far.

Jeff Passan of ESPN adds that the contract includes a $15 million option for a fourth season, a $23 million signing bonus and more than $23 million in deferred money. The 32-year-old outfielder took to Instagram to announce that he was officially returning to the Dodgers. Hernández was outstanding in his lone season with the World Champions, slashing .272/.339/.501 with 33 long balls, 99 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 652 plate appearances. He’ll return to one of the deepest and most talented lineups in all of baseball and should be a force in fantasy leagues once again in 2025. Hernández is currently going just outside the top 75 players overall in early fantasy drafts.

Fernández last pitched in the majors back in 2021, and spent last year with Veracruz in Mexico. He pitched well there with a 1.82 ERA and 43/12 K/BB over 34 appearances, and the Dodgers will give the 29-year-old a look during the Cactus League.

Sauer will bolster Los Angeles’ relief depth heading into next season at Triple-A Oklahoma City.. The 25-year-old righty was selected by the Royals in the Rule 5 Draft prior to last season, but wound up being returned to the Yankees after struggling to a lackluster 7.71 ERA, 2.08 WHIP and 9/11 K/BB ratio across 16 1/3 innings (14 appearances) for Kansas City.

Fabian Ardaya reports that the contract includes an invitation to spring training. Bote was last with the Cubs before the Cubs designated the 31-year-old for assignment in August. The 31-year-old could compete for one of the final spots on the Dodgers in the Cactus League, but more than likely he’ll just be organizational depth.

Carlson, 26, spent the 2024 season in the Brewers’ organization where he compiled a 4.25 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 51/19 K/BB ratio across 48 2/3 innings in 44 appearances out of the bullpen. He’ll add minor league bullpen depth for the defending World Champions.

The Yankees are rather surprisingly missing from the list, though that probably doesn’t rule them out as a possibility. It’s currently unclear if any suitor is as interested in Arenado as the Cardinals are in moving on from him. He’s said he’d be willing to shift to first to aid a deal, but that just doesn’t make much sense; most of his value comes from his defense at third base.

The Dodgers also made the signing of Blake Treinen official. Conforto joins Los Angeles after spending the past two seasons with the Giants, and the 31-year-old outfielder slashed .237/.309/.450 with 20 homers over 438 plate at-bats. He should play everyday against left-handed hitters, and while he won’t help in the average category, he should produce some solid power and RBi in the Dodgers’ lineup.

This was reported Sunday and is made official Tuesday morning. Treinen was outstanding in 2024, and was the Dodgers’ relief ace in the postseason after forging a 1.93 ERA and 56/11 K/BB over 46 2/3 innings. The 36-year-old should get a chance to pitch in high-leverage situations again in 2025, and depending on what else the Dodgers due in the offseason, he could be in line for saves this spring.