"The Los Angeles Dodgers have seemingly established a stronghold in Japan, and in particular on the pitching front with their signings of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. Of course, Ohtani spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels before signing what was a record-breaking contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Yamamoto joined the organization that same month upon being posted by the Orix Buffaloes, and Sasaki followed suit the following year."
"I mean, to be honest, it's no different than any other starting pitcher out there, where they all want to take us down. I haven't looked into this guy at all. I don't know what his stuff is. I'm sure he's amazing, as we've seen a lot of the Japanese pitchers that have come over have been extremely good, with the guys on our staff. So I'm sure he's very, very talented and very good."
Los Angeles built a strong pipeline of Japanese pitching talent, signing Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. Ohtani left the Angels after six seasons to sign a record-breaking deal with the Dodgers in December 2023. Yamamoto joined via posting that same month from the Orix Buffaloes, and Sasaki arrived the following year. Tatsuya Imai, a right-hander from the Saitama Seibu Lions, prefers signing with a team that would dethrone the Dodgers and expressed a desire to face Shohei Ohtani. Imai posted a 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 163.2 innings in 24 starts. Max Muncy downplayed Imai’s remarks, saying all opposing starters want to beat the Dodgers. Imai’s MLB posting window closes Jan. 2, 2026 at 2 p.m. PT.
Read at Dodger Blue
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