Main Story: The Dodgers are expected to pursue Tarik Skubal to shore up a rotation with injury risks and uncertain depth. If they miss out, they may prefer affordable innings-eaters over the next top starter. The Red Sox, meanwhile, are seeking a back-end starter and a strikeout-focused right-handed reliever.

By the Numbers
  • The Dodgers have 5 listed rotation options before Shohei Ohtani is ready to pitch: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan.
  • The Red Sox have 3 candidates for the fifth rotation spot: Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck.
Yes, But

The Dodgers’ rotation has considerable talent, but injuries and questions about depth make another reliable innings-eater important. Boston’s rotation options appear adequate on paper, yet injuries could quickly expose the need for more depth.

State of Play
  • Skubal is a priority target for Los Angeles, but the team’s fallback plan is unclear.
  • Boston is also evaluating bullpen help, with Aroldis Chapman set to return as closer and Garrett Whitlock and Erik Miller among its setup options.
What's Next

Offseason moves will clarify whether the Dodgers land Skubal or add lower-cost rotation depth, while the Red Sox look to fill their back-end starter and right-handed relief needs.

Bottom Line

Both teams are focused on pitching depth—but the Dodgers’ plan may hinge on whether they can secure an ace, while Boston is targeting more specific roster gaps.