The Los Angeles Dodgers possess one of Major League Baseball’s most extensive farm systems and a financial capacity few teams can match, putting them in a unique position regarding roster decisions. Despite Roki Sasaki’s exceptional international reputation and raw talent, the Dodgers currently face a pitching rotation so deep that Sasaki is paradoxically the least essential member of their six-man staff, sparking discussions about potential trade possibilities involving him.
While Sasaki showed glimpses of his future dominance during the postseason as a closer, his overall rookie year was inconsistent. The Dodgers are focused on winning now and may consider leveraging Sasaki as an asset to acquire a proven, elite starting pitcher. They would not part with him lightly, but if an established Cy Young contender becomes available, Los Angeles has the means and motivation to pursue such a trade aggressively. Below are five starting pitchers who could realistically be part of these trade talks, given the circumstances.
Logan Webb: The Giants’ Reliable Workhorse
Logan Webb remains under contract with the San Francisco Giants through 2028 at a salary that undervalues his contributions, reflecting a somewhat underrated perception of his talent. Although he finished fourth in this past year’s National League Cy Young voting, Webb frequently slips under the radar in conversations about baseball’s top pitchers.
In the last season, Webb started 34 games, striking out 224 batters over 207 innings, marking three consecutive years with over 200 innings pitched. This durability is a major asset, making him invaluable to any rotation. His pitching style emphasizes groundballs, supported by a respectable strikeout rate, utilizing a changeup and sweeping slider effectively despite his sinker rarely hitting the mid-90s in velocity.
The Dodgers’ pitching suffered severe injuries last season, and acquiring a reliable innings-eater like Webb could solidify their rotation’s strength. For the Giants, giving up Webb would not be considered lightly, but obtaining Sasaki—a prized Japanese prospect with five years of team control—could be enticing. This move might also enhance the Giants’ presence in Japan while requiring an attractive proposal from Los Angeles.
Hunter Greene: Cincinnati’s Young Power Arm
Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds has surfaced in offseason trade discussions due to the club’s strong pitching depth but offensive struggles. Although a trade was unlikely given Greene’s age of 26 and affordable contract through 2029, the possibility of bringing Sasaki into talks creates an interesting scenario.
The Reds treasure Greene as a homegrown talent who is essential to their core, especially in a market that struggles to attract big-name free agents. Yet, if Los Angeles presented a compelling package involving talented position players from their farm system, the team might consider engaging in discussions. Sasaki’s overwhelming pitching potential could eclipse even Greene’s ceiling if his command matures.
Greene posted a 2.76 ERA and 132 strikeouts across 107.2 innings last season, though injuries limited him to 19 starts. Durability has been a concern for Greene given the intensity of his fastball, but his talent level is undeniable and would immediately boost the Dodgers’ pitching strength.
Hunter Brown: Houston Astros’ Emerging Star
Another pitcher worth considering is Hunter Brown, who recently finished third in American League Cy Young voting. Brown is entering his first arbitration year, and although the Astros may be reluctant to trade him, the Dodgers’ willingness to offer top prospects along with Sasaki might compel Houston to start talks.
Los Angeles’ deep minor league system positions them well to absorb this kind of trade. Brown’s talents are evident—he features upper-90s velocity, a newly mastered sinker, sharp off-speed pitches, and excellent command. At 27, his breakout season suggests he could be a cornerstone of a strong rotation for years.
If the Dodgers can convince Houston with an attractive package, including prospects beyond Sasaki, they stand to add a highly developed, strikeout-heavy ace to their lineup, enhancing their chances in upcoming seasons.
Tarik Skubal: Detroit’s Skilled Left-Hander
Left-hander Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers presents a unique challenge due to his expiring contract. Despite this limitation, Skubal’s talent might make a short-term deal appealing for the Dodgers, especially considering the value they could offer in return with Sasaki’s longer control period plus additional prospects.
Detroit has bolstered its rotation with Framber Valdez, bringing stability and slightly reducing Skubal’s indispensability. Skubal’s recent arbitration win, pushing his salary to $32 million, places pressure on the Tigers as they face the inevitability of losing him once he hits the open market, where he could command over $40 million annually. The front office will be tasked with difficult decisions.
As a Southern California native, Skubal may be more inclined to stay in the region if signed long term, which could motivate the Dodgers to pursue a substantial contract offer. Playing in Detroit’s pitcher-friendly Comerica Park and benefiting from the Tigers’ proven development system could help Skubal refine his skills away from intense scrutiny.
Paul Skenes: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Rising Arm
The Pittsburgh Pirates made some strides in upgrading their roster during the offseason, adding power hitters like Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn, along with promoting prospects such as 19-year-old Konnor Griffin. While the Pirates may contend for a Wild Card spot, if those aspirations fall short, trade talks surrounding Paul Skenes will intensify.
Skenes has expressed a desire to be part of a winning team. Although the Pirates control him for four more seasons, the window for maximizing his value is narrowing. If the Pirates seek to improve their lineup affordably, moving Skenes could yield an exceptional return package. The Dodgers, located in Southern California like Skenes, would be primary suitors for such a trade.
At age 24 and still under team control, Skenes’ trade value is at its highest. Even a midseason deal would be worth considering by Los Angeles if it meant acquiring him and addressing other organizational needs by trading Sasaki and prospects. Such a trade could have significant implications for both franchises’ futures.
The Dodgers’ depth means they can be flexible, willing to part with young talent like Sasaki if the return includes high-caliber pitchers who can contribute immediately, strengthening their quest for sustained championship contention.
