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.
“I think Cody had a great, great experience here. Rookie of the Year. MVP. And he was Hollywood ringing while he was here so I think that players who have those kinds of experiences over the years are always very welcoming of anywhere like that,” Boras said.
Finally, Dave Roberts passed a huge milestone over the weekend, reaching 10 years as the Dodgers’ skipper. Roberts has been a huge part of the Dodgers’ success over the past several years, winning three World Series in the past six seasons.
Here’s all the latest Dodgers news and stories (click the headline for the full article):
Looking Back at Dave Roberts’ Dodgers Tenure After Celebrating 10-Year Anniversary
Top Japanese Free Agent Wants to Take Down Dodgers in MLB
Cody Bellinger Would Welcome Return to Dodgers, Says Agent
Dodgers Exec Raves About Outfielder Acquired in Gavin Lux Trade
Dodgers Pitcher Reveals He Was Surprised to Be Traded
Dodgers Video of the Day:
Dodgers Tweets of the Day:
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has admitted he fears the Dodgers are pulling away from the rest of MLB and will keep winning titles:
“They have tremendous resources and they’ve gotten the job done.” ?
Via Chris Kirschner pic.twitter.com/ASSqFshqU3
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) November 24, 2025
Kiké Hernández and Anthony Banda were special guests at F1 Las Vegas.
Love seeing these Dodgers World Series champions enjoying their offseason ? pic.twitter.com/Im2LLdNHb3
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) November 24, 2025
Top Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai is in the process of deciding who he’ll sign with for his first MLB team and has doubled down on wanting to beat Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Dodgers.
“Playing together sounds fun… I want to take them down.” pic.twitter.com/0iwH0EmRX4
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) November 24, 2025
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Have you downloaded the new Dodgers Nation app yet? Click here for Apple Users and here for Android Users to be a part of the redesigned app to give fans everything they need, all in one place. Don’t miss out on live GameCast with play-by-play, news and analysis, Dodgers Nation podcasts and videos, all the stats you want and more!
LA Baseball Report
Get the app for faster news
GET ×