The Dodgers, who have been active in the off-season, continue their search for players to add to their dynasty with the signing of three new players.

The biggest signing of the upcoming group is the Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki, who has been taking Japan by storm since joining the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in 2021.

Courtesy of the Dodgers

While only 23 years old, Sasaki has had staggering stats over four seasons in the NPB, including a 2.02 ERA, 11.4 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, and 6.0 H/9. 

His place in NPB history was cemented on April 10, 2022, when, at just 20 years old, he pitched the league’s first perfect game in 28 years. In a performance for the ages, Sasaki recorded 19 strikeouts—tying the league record—and set a new milestone with 13 consecutive strikeouts.

In the World Baseball Classic, Sasaki played with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the trio will reunite as standout players for the Dodgers.

Sasaki adds to the pitching rotation, including Ohtani, Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell.

Days after landing Sasaki, the Dodgers agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with left-handed reliever Tanner Scott, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. While the team has yet to confirm the deal, it reportedly includes a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deferred salary.

Courtesy of the Dodgers

Scott, who was nearly unhittable last season, adds yet another dominant arm to the Dodgers’ already elite bullpen.

 The 30-year-old left-hander, widely regarded as the top reliever on the market, is known for his devastating fastball-slider combination and his ability to neutralize hitters.

Traded from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres at last summer’s deadline, Scott immediately impacted San Diego. Over 26 1/3 innings, he struck out 31 batters and posted an impressive 2.73 ERA.

Scott’s performance in the postseason, though, really highlighted his ability. Striking out seven batters in five scoreless innings—four against Shohei Ohtani—he proved his ability under duress. Scott’s arrival in Los Angeles demonstrates the Dodgers’ emphasis on bettering its pitching.

The third player the Dodgers signed in the past week was 17-year-old Joseph Deng. Besides being only 17 years old, the signing of Deng was historic as it marked the first time a player from South Sudan had signed an MLB contract.

Deng possesses significant potential with his 6’7″, 185-pound frame and a fastball that reaches up to 95 mph. At just 17 years old, he has ample room to grow, and it seems only a matter of time before he reaches new heights in his development.

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