Los Angeles Dodgers face critical Yoshinobu Yamamoto roster issue, as introduction of Japanese ace nears

This offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers have created a huge gap between themselves and the rest. Start by signing the bidirectional phenomenon Shohei Ohtani for $700 million, then do the same with Yoshinobu Yamamoto for $325 million. The recent addition of these star players presented a challenge for the Dodgers: how to make room for them on their roster?

As the clock ticks toward Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s introductory conference, it becomes even more imperative for the Dodgers to create space for the ace. Fortunately for them, there may be a few places where the Blue Crew is overstaffed.

Dodgers address Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s roster challenges ahead of his conference

With the Dodgers sign Yamamoto for record contract, fans were wondering how long the franchise would wait before officially announcing his arrival. Reports began to emerge regarding Yamamoto’s introductory lecture. Japanese news agency Sponichi Annex revealed that the Samurai Japan Ace introductory conference will take place on Wednesday, December 27 at 3:00 p.m. PST or 8:00 a.m. on December 28 in Japan.

Finally, fans will get to see Yamamoto wear a Dodgers jersey. But the Blue Crew still has work to do. As noted in post X above, the Dodgers will need to clear space on their 40-man roster before making this deal official. While demanding urgent attention, this major issue also offers the opportunity for a distinctive storyline.

The Blue Crew roster has some incredible prospects. This is a team that won 100 games last season and has immense quality at all levels. So whoever the Dodgers choose to let go will be wanted everywhere. So it won’t be surprising if the Dodgers turn this challenge into an opportunity by playing their cards right.

Before strategically leveraging roster reductions to capitalize on Yamamoto’s inclusion, what specific aspect of their roster could benefit from a reduction?

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The sudden change in numbers

There is no doubt that the Dodgers’ pitching breakdown last season led to them losing the NLDS. Now that Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow are entering the team, there is suddenly a glut of pitchers in the Blue Crew. Their depth seems excessive, even for a six-man rotation. At the same time, pitchers like Michael Grove and Emmet Sheehan will have a huge demand in the market. At the same time, the Dodgers have too many relievers. They need to reduce redundancy in their bullpen through trades.

In short, even after a massive offseason, the Dodgers can create an even bigger gap between themselves and other teams through the trade market.