Hate it or love it, the Dodgers decision to hand out contracts for more than a billion dollars to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last year was the right move. It angered front offices around the league and fans across the country. But the results were undeniable.

Ohtani is a lock to be named the National League MVP in 2024. Yamamoto battled through injuries to deliver a strong rookie season. And both played major roles in the franchise winning its latest MLB championship in October. Furthermore, both could be even better next season — for different reasons — next year and will be at the heart of title-contending teams they should have for several more seasons.

However, don’t expect the Dodgers to be quiet this offseason despite having one of the biggest payrolls in baseball. And it looks like the franchise that banked huge money from Japanese baseball fans in 2024 could mine that revenue source even more in 2025.

Los Angeles Dodgers are massive favorites to sign Roki Sasaki this winter

Chiba Lotte ace Roki Sasaki is viewed by most as the next great pitcher from Japan. There have been rumblings for the last year that the 23-year-old would look to be posted by his team this winter and hit the open market. On Tuesday, ESPN MLB analyst Kiley McDaniel explained the unique reason why the Los Angeles Dodgers are huge favorites to sign him.

Nevertheless, the youngster has a history with both Ohtani and Yamamoto after playing with them on Japan’s 2023 WBC team. Plus, being on the roster with two countrymen could be a huge benefit for the youngster.