Dodgers predicted to trade for $13M darkhorse Cy Young candidate amid Roki Sasaki's struggles

The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for the marathon toward their third consecutive World Series title. The starting rotation will begin the season a bit banged up, with Blake Snell set to start on the IL due to injury.

“Dave Roberts said Blake Snell has been making progress in his throwing progression (which, for now, has still been limited to flat-ground sessions). But he acknowledged that, given the calendar, it’s gonna be ‘hard’ for him to be ready for Opening Day,” Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris wrote.

The biggest priority for Los Angeles is ensuring the starters are healthy and performing well this spring. One player who has struggled is Roki Sasaki, who was signed as a starter but pitched out of the bullpen in the playoffs. On Tuesday, his command was an issue once again.

“Roki Sasaki said he lost command when trying to work on his sinker in that third inning, causing his forearm to over-pronate. Wasn't able to make the adjustment until the next inning. Added through an interpreter that he wasn't concerned with his spring results (13.50 ERA),” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya wrote.

The Dodgers could swing a trade to add depth and stability, especially with Sasaki’s inconsistent outings. Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan is a strong trade candidate to target.

“Who would have guessed Ryan would still be with the Twins when spring training opened given all the trade chatter last summer and over the winter? Perhaps Bailey Ober is the more likely trade candidate given the potentially lower asking price (Pablo López is no longer a trade candidate given his elbow injury), but frankly, I think both could be moved. Ryan has two years of control remaining, same as Ober, though he is the better pitcher and more attractive target. Squint your eyes and you can see the Twins staying in the postseason race deep into the season. I think it's more likely Ryan (and Ober and Ryan Jeffers) is firmly on the trade block come July,” CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa wrote.

The Dodgers would further strengthen their roster with a move like this, though the Twins would expect a strong return. Even so, Los Angeles has several prospects it could be willing to part with.

The Dodgers have a legitimate shot at winning three straight titles—and potentially more beyond the 2026 season. One thing is certain: they have proven time and time again that they are not afraid to make aggressive moves.

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