The Los Angeles Dodgers are now a month away from opening up the MLB regular season against the division-rival San Diego Padres in South Korea.
It promises to be a scene in the Seoul as Los Angeles sets to trot out big-time free agent signings such as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They were the talk of the MLB offseason with both inking record-breaking contracts with the Dodgers.
We’re also hearing a bit more about Los Angeles’ plans heading into that two-game set against the Padres. Manager Dave Roberts noted recently that both Yamamoto and fellow off-season acquisition Tyler Glasnow are safe bets to start in the series.
“This is a unique ramp-up for everyone. It’s two games that matter, but it’s just two games. So the entirety of the season and making sure these guys are ready to take down starts—that’s most important.”
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on season opener
The Dodgers will take on San Diego on March 20-21 before returning to the states to wrap up Spring Training. As Roberts notes, it’s a unique situation.
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Los Angeles is being linked to reigning National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell as his situation plays out into Spring Training.
Snell remains on the MLB free agent market despite how well he pitched for the aforementioned Padres a season ago.
It’s clear that payroll is not an issue for the Dodgers after they signed Yamamoto (12 years, $325 million) and Ohtani (10 years, $700 million) during the winter. Los Angeles also handed Glasnow a five-year, $136.5 million contract extension after acquiring him from the Tampa Bay Rays in a blockbuster trade.
As for Ohtani, he is also going to be on the field as the regular season opens in Korea. While he won’t pitch this season, having the reigning American League MVP in the lineup will be a boon for Roberts and Co.