The Dodgers seem to be light-years ahead of the Yankees in terms of their pitching rotation. While the Dodgers could even field a second starting rotation, the Yankees are struggling and in need of more arms. So, who can help fill the gaps? The Dodgers can, in the form of a few tradeable talents. Yes, according to the latest rumors, the Dodgers and Yankees are set to make a trade to strengthen the Bronx’s depleted pitching staff. And the center of attraction? Tony Gonsolin.

So, how can Gonsolin add strength to the Yankees’ pitching rotation? And are the Dodgers deep enough to let go of one of their key pitchers?

The Yankees lost starters Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil to injuries and desperately need a veteran arm. So why not Tony Gonsolin? Gonsolin’s slider is a defining feature of his pitching arsenal. The 2022 All-Star throws his slider significantly harder than usual, with a sharp 12-6 action. However, his recent numbers aren’t exactly reassuring. He missed the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. In 2023, he started 20 games with the Dodgers, posting an 8–5 record with a 4.98 ERA.

While Gonsolin could still be a good option for the Yankees given their current pitching woes, what’s in it for the Dodgers? Reportedly, they will receive rookie outfielder Everson Pereira in the trade. The Dodgers don’t necessarily need another outfielder. But hey, depth never hurts. Everson Pereira could slot in behind Andy Pages, giving LA another solid backup.

With a long and grueling season ahead, the Dodgers know the value of extra depth. And when it comes to pitching? Their rotation is already stacked. That’s why they can afford to let Tony Gonsolin head to the Bronx.

The Dodgers’ 6-man rotation is too good to compete 

The Dodgers initially planned to field a six-man pitching rotation to manage the workload of their arms, particularly their Japanese stars. However, according to the latest update, they are set to use a five-man rotation in the regular season—with a twist. The rotation includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Dustin May. The twist? Shohei Ohtani will join them as the sixth starter once he returns to the mound in May. That’s one heck of a lineup to strike fear into opposing hitters.

As per the MLB insider Sarah Langs, Ohtani and Yamamoto are projected to have 150+ strikeouts this year. Adding them to the rest in the rotation can conclude why the Dodgers are happy to offer Gonsolin to the Yankees. The 13-man pitching division of the Dodgers is stacked with these six, along with names like Roki Sasaki, Bobby Miller, and Walker Buehler. Ohtani is coming as an extra to the 13-man division. With Ohtani essentially coming in as an extra arm in their rotation, they can afford to move one of their top pitchers in a trade.

The Yankees are in dire need of a reliable pitcher. With $5.4 million for 1 year, nothing comes better than Tony Gonsolin for them, even at the cost of an outfielder. 

Do you think Gonsolin can be a potent option for the Yankees? Share your views with us below.