Once a Dodger, always a Dodger – this statement stands true for most of the free agents this season as they want to re-sign with the squad. Players like Clayton Kershaw, Jack Flaherty, Enrique Hernandez, and Teoscar Hernandez have admitted that they want to be with the Dodgers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently shared a vague description of who he wants on the team.

Juan Soto has been under immense demand this off-season; there’s another name that has been linked to the Dodgers – Roki Sasaki. But some think that resigning their own free agents will be the best for the Dodgers. During his appearance on the Mookie Betts podcast “On Base”, Dave Roberts revealed his playful wish – asking Santa Claus for help this Christmas.

According to Dodgerblue.com, Roberts said, “I would write to Santa, because I don’t know if I can speak on individual names, but I want to bring back a guy that we had in the bullpen this year that we talked a little bit about earlier. He went on to add how he would love another bullpen arm, a starting pitcher, and a player who has hit numerous homers for them this postseason. “And he’s from a Latin American country,”  Roberts added in the end.

Enrique Hernández’s desire to return to the Dodgers aligns with the team’s need for versatile depth in the infield and outfield. With Clayton Kershaw’s 2025 season delayed due to surgeries, the Dodgers are looking to add another starting pitcher to their rotation. Potential targets include Roki Sasaki, the talented Japanese ace, as well as free agents Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes, and Max Fried.

Additionally, Dave Roberts will likely pursue a high-leverage bullpen arm. With their resources and a clear desire to compete for another World Series, the Dodgers are poised to make key moves this offseason. 

Dave Roberts is hoping to make a dream team  

The stakes have just been raised with the emergence of Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese pitching star. Sasaki’s availability is a major opportunity, given MLB’s specific rules for Japanese players under 25 highlights that Sasaki will only be subject to the international bonus pool and must sign a Minor League contract. This makes him an absolute bargain.

The LA Dodgers, already with a strong Japanese presence thanks to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, are considered the favorites to land Sasaki. With their resources and history of developing pitchers, Dave Roberts’ team is a natural fit. But securing Sasaki may not be so simple – several others, including the New York Mets, the Chicago Cubs, the San Diego Padres, and the New York Yankees are also in pursuit of the young star. 

With Roki Sasaki set to sign a Minor League contract under MLB’s international bonus pool rules, money won’t be a major factor in his decision. While the Los Angeles Dodgers and Dave Roberts have an advantage here with two Japanese players who are already thriving in the team, ultimately, Sasaki’s choice will likely come down to team culture, long-term success, and where he feels he has the best chance to grow.

What’s your take on Roki Sasaki’s possible future team? Share your prediction in the comments.