LA Dodgers Face Critical Yoshinobu Yamamoto Roster Issue, as Japanese Ace’s Introduction Nears

During this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers have created a massive gap between themselves and others. Starting by signing the two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani for $700 million and then doing the same with Yoshinobu Yamamoto for $325 million. The recent addition of these star-studded players has presented a challenge for the Dodgers: how to make room for them in their roster?

As the clock is ticking towards Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s introductory conference, it is becoming even more imperative for the Dodgers to create some roster space for the ace. Luckily for them, there might be a few places where the Blue Crew is over-staffed. 

Dodgers address Yoshinobu Yamamoto roster challenges ahead of his conference

With the Dodgers signing Yamamoto to a record-breaking contract, fans wondered how long the franchise would wait before officially announcing his arrival. Reports have started emerging regarding Yamamoto’s introductory conference. The Japanese news agency Sponichi Annex revealed that the Samurai Japan Ace’s introductory conference will be held on Wednesday, 27th December at 3 pm PST or 8 am on 28th December in Japan.

Finally, the fans will get to see Yamamoto wearing the Dodgers’ jersey. But the Blue Crew still has some work to do. As the above X post stated, the Dodgers will have to clear space in their 40-man roster before making this deal official. While requiring urgent attention, this major issue also presents an opportunity for a distinctive scenario.

The Blue Crew’s roster has amazing prospects. This is a team that won 100 games last season and has immense quality across the board. So, whoever the Dodgers choose to let go will be wanted everywhere. So it won’t surprise if the Dodgers turn this challenge into an opportunity by playing their cards right.

Prior to strategically leveraging roster cuts to capitalize on Yamamoto’s inclusion, which specific aspect of their roster could benefit from trimming?

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The sudden shift in numbers

No doubt the Dodgers’ pitching breakdown last season led them to lose the NLDS. Now with Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow entering the team, suddenly there is an overabundance of pitchers in the Blue Crew. Their depth seems overweight, even for a six-man rotation. At the same time, pitchers like Michael Grove and Emmet Sheehan will have a tremendous demand in the market. Simultaneously, the Dodgers have too many relievers. They need to reduce the redundancy in their bullpen through trades.

In short, even after a massive offseason, the Dodgers can create an even bigger gap between itself and other teams through the trade market.

Read more: Joe Kelly Confirms Shohei Ohtani as Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Biggest Reason for Historic Dodgers Deal