The Los Angeles Dodgers have never been a team to adopt trends—they set them. From breaking barriers with global signings to redefining modern scouting, they are always ahead of the curve. The Dodger’s latest conquest? A dominant highlight in the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs, not just in wins but in effect. With this victory, they have made a statement—one that echoes across Japan’s baseball landscape.
In March 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off the season with a two-game sweep at the Tokyo Dome, winning 4-1 and 6-3. Ohtani made history—again—by getting a home run in Game 2. With this, he became the second Japanese-born player to do so in Japan. In addition, Roki Sasaki has made his much-anticipated MLB debut. He highlighted flashes of brilliance despite some control struggles, limiting the Cubs to one run over three innings. Such performances were not just highlights; they reinforced an upcoming truth—the talent pipeline between Japan and the Dodgers is only getting powerful.
But while the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their success, they were also looking ahead. The team’s time in the country doubled as a scouting mission, with their eyes locked on NPB standouts. One such name is Hiroto Saiki. This pitcher with his electric stuff has been turning heads. Saiki started the practice game against the Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome on the 16th. Then, he recorded a win with 5 innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 7 Samjin, and no runs scored. Alongside him, Munetaka Murakami, a power-hitting infielder, continues to prove why he is Japan’s 3B player. The MVP winner will be posted for MLB teams after the 2025 season.
Another talent attracted the attention is Teruaki Sato. He highlighted a powerful performance in the Tokyo Series. Coming off a solid 2024 NPB season with a .268 batting average, 121 hits, 16 home runs and 70 RBIs, Sato continued to impress by his power and offensive consistency. His capability to handle high-level competition, combined with his 198 total bases in 2024, highlights his potential as a middle-of-the-order threat. The Dodgers, always looking for versatile sluggers, could view him as a future addition to their lineup.
This is not just speculation—Dodgers management has been vocal about their long-period aim. Galen Carr, vice president of player personnel, highlighted the team’s interest in Japanese stars. He said, “If you ask me about the next five years in Japan, I could name at least three really interesting names that we will be looking at moving forward and have our eyes on“.
President of Baseball Andrew Friedman has long envisioned a Los Angeles Dodgers which extends beyond the U.S. “In our ideal world, kids are growing up in Japan, watching Dodger games, being a fan of the team. And when they have a decision to make, that gives us some advantage in the process“. That is not just a marketing approach—it is an investment in the upcoming wave of global talent.
The Dodgers are interested in “at least three” Japanese baseball players who should be headed for MLB in the next five years or so
Sounds like we may have some more future Dodger stars coming over from Japanhttps://t.co/DvOMsZlIpF
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) March 19, 2025
Dave Roberts also echoed such ambitions, focusing on the success of the team’s trip to Japan. “I think our mission was accomplished“, the manager said, identifying the cultural aspect of their visit. With a history of bringing Japanese talents to the U.S.—from Hideo Nomo to Sasaki—the Los Angeles Dodgers are making it clear: they are not just visiting Japan; they are building a legacy there.
Addressing depth and pitching issues of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite sweeping the Tokyo Series against the Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced multiple issues. The most glaring issue was talent availability. Mookie Betts, a vital figure in the lineup, was sidelined because of illness and missed the series entirely. His absence highlighted how vulnerable the Dodgers could be if a star player is out for an extended period. In addition, Freddie Freeman was unexpectedly scratched from the lineup after facing rib discomfort. Though Freeman has played through similar issues before, his late withdrawal raised concerns related to the team’s capability to adapt to sudden setbacks.
Beyond the individual gap, the team’s depth and durability came into focus. Over a grueling 162-game season, injuries and illness are inevitable. In such a situation, having reliable reinforcements ready to step in will be vital. Former Mets coach Ruben Amaro Jr. highlighted that while the team boasts a powerful rotation, health issues and inconsistent innings from starters could pose long-term issues. On the contrary, teams like, the Phillies have starters who continuously log more innings. This can provide them an advantage in durability.
While the Dodgers’ Tokyo triumph reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse, it also served as a reminder that challenges lie ahead. However, their pursuit of international talent is not just about immediate needs—it’s a long-term blueprint for sustained success. As they continue to bridge the gap between MLB and NPB, one thing is certain: when the next wave of Japanese superstars arrives in the U.S., don’t be surprised if they are wearing Dodger blue.
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