The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Japan’s top international free agent pitcher over the last two seasons, but things aren’t likely to go the same way in 2025.
Tatsuya Imai, who had a 1.92 ERA in NPB last season, openly stated he wanted to beat the Dodgers — not join them.
“I want to beat them,” Imai said. “Beating a team like that and becoming world champions would be the most valuable thing in my life.”
Instead of looking for pitching in free agency, the Dodgers could turn their focus to the outfield. Cody Bellinger is a top candidate for the position, and Scott Boras, his agent, didn’t shut down the possibility of a return for the former MVP.