December 31st, 2024 at 8:00 am 
by Jesse Pearce Why are January 15 and 23, 2025 dates important to the Dodgers completing their roster for the upcoming MLB season?
January 15 is the first day of the 2025 international signing period when all MLB teams reset their respective bonus pools. Signing before the 15th greatly reduces Roki Sasaki’s earning potential as a posted NPB player. And January 23rd is the last day of his negotiating window with MLB teams. If not signed by the end of that day, he must return to the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB) for at least one more year.
(Eugene Hoshiko)
For the Dodgers, Sasaki’s decision may be the determining factor in other major acquisitions.
The team is loaded with talented, right-handed pitchers, adding the 23-year-old Sasaki would allow the Dodgers to package a couple of those highly regarded pitchers for either a regular center fielder, shortstop, and/or third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Which players might be available to the Dodgers for the right combination of pitching talent and perhaps position players Gavin Lux, James Outman, and/or Andy Pages?
It’s common knowledge that the St. Louis Cardinals are desperate to find a trade partner for their 33-year-old third baseman Nolan Arenado — willing to accept any reasonable trade offer, to the point of paying $15M (or more) of his remaining, guaranteed salary. If Dodgers want Arenado it will not take long to work out the trade.
The rebuilding Chicago White Sox are reportedly shopping their oft injured, 27-year-old center fielder Luis Robert Jr. Looking for Major League-ready talent, the White Sox are not going to just dump Robert Jr. But, a reasonable offer would put him in the Dodgers center field with Tommy Edman moving to short stop, and Mookie Betts to second base.
Reportedly, the Toronto Blue Jays are open to trade proposals for their 26-year-old shortstop Bo Bichette, who will be a free agent after the 2025 season, but the cost will be high. Perhaps two pitching prospects and a Major League-ready infielder or outfielder. Pitchers Landon Knack and Bobby Miller packaged with infielder Gavin Lux might be enough to acquire Bichette, with Betts moving to second base.
Dodgers and Seattle Mariners seem well aligned for a relatively minor deal that helps both teams, but they could also make a trade that would easily fit the description of BLOCKBUSTER.
The more likely minor trade scenario would send the 27-year-old Lux to Seattle for 27-year-old center fielder Victor Robles and 25-year-old utility infield prospect Ryan Bliss. Acquiring Robles moves Edman to shortstop and Betts to second base.
Then, there is the BLOCKBUSTER that is unlikely, but one that helps both teams and would be headline worthy:
Dodgers receive 24-year-old centerfielder Julio Rodriguez, 26-year-old closer Andres Munoz, and Bliss.
Seattle acquires pitching prospects Edgardo Henriquez (22 years old) and Bobby Miller (25 years old), second baseman Lux, outfielder Andy Pages (24 years old), and the Dodgers number three prospect, shortstop Alex Freeland (23 years old).
Which trade(s), if any, are waiting on the Sasaki’s decision? To be determined after January 15.
What do you think Dodgers fans?
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I can see Friedman and the Dodgers making a run at Sasaki, but going after Arenado just doesn’t feel Friedman-like to me. Obviously, I hope I’m wrong about this, but I would be quite surprised if it happens.
Friedman is great at keeping his thoughts private about which players fit, or don’t fit, the Dodgers culture and clubhouse presence. I’m confident that he will not add anyone on the roster who could/would mess with the current chemistry. Personally, I think moving out of the heat and humidity of St. Louis summers will help Arenado return close to his statistical norms. Being home, close to family and friends, and surrounded by Betts, Freeman, Ohtani and hitting coaches will be a huge boost. My gut feeling, Arenado would have a big year for the Dodgers in 2025 making the middle of the lineup a real force. And, his defense at the hot corner will help the pitching staff.
Ron, is there any news on Bobby Miller?
What has he been doing this offseason?
How is his shoulder, forearm?
Thanks Ron.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As much as I have read and searched, nothing but crickets regarding Bobby Miller. Considering the quality and quantity of RH pitchers on the current roster and the depth throughout their minor league system I think Miller is a trade chip right now. Dodgers will not give him away, but for the right return I don’t see him being untouchable. Would the Dodgers include Miller in a trade for a one year rental like Bichette? Tough call, but I think yes.
I don’t see the Dodgers doing much more at this point. Especially making any deal that requires taking on payroll. The best move they could make is 3 yrs 45 mil for Tanner Scott with half deferred.
Only concern is right hand bat for Muncy at 3rd base and Lux against lefties. Bodi,CT3,and Vreeland two out of three will stick.
Adding Sasaki won’t cost much. High upside.
Adding Kiki would be a great move. Back up at 2b SS 3b and all 3 outfield positions..
Scott reportedly wants 4 years, $80M. — your 3 and $45 seems right to me. Dodgers still need to sign Kershaw and hopefully Sasaki. I think they will find a trade partner for Lux.
If we trade Lux we need a SS or second baseman. I think lux will get one more yr.
I think the odds are good that Lux gets another chance. My issue — I don’t think Mookie Betts is a Major League shortstop defensively and I am concerned that his offense will suffer from extra responsibility at the SS position and working on defense. I believe the Dodgers will be much better with Betts at 2b and either Edman or another ML shortstop.