The Los Angeles Dodgers have committed over $1.3 billion in future contract obligations since the end of the 2023 season, making them better positioned than any other Major League Baseball team to win a championship in 2024. With star power up and down the lineup, the Dodgers are expected to be a prominent part of the league’s marketing efforts this year and in the future. This includes participating in international games, such as starting the 2025 regular season in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs, after playing a series of games in Seoul, South Korea against the San Diego Padres.
While U.S.-based teams regularly cross the border to play games in Canada or Mexico, regular season series in Asia pose a different challenge. The Dodgers’ 14-hour flight from Phoenix to Seoul highlighted the toll that such trips can take on players. Veteran shortstop Miguel Rojas expressed concerns about the impact of these international games on players, citing jet lag and lack of preparation as key issues. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers have two of the best Asian-born players in baseball history, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, on their roster.
Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December, the most lucrative in sports history. Shortly after, Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million contract, the largest ever for a pitcher. The presence of these players makes international games, and potentially annual trips to Asia, a key part of the Dodgers’ future plans. While players like Tyler Glasnow had successful debuts in these international games, Rojas and others believe that starting the season abroad is not fair to the players, who are forced to adjust to new time zones and conditions within a short timeframe.
Rojas highlighted the challenges of playing overseas, where players may not have the support of family and fans that they would have at home. Despite the difficulties, the Dodgers were able to secure a win in their domestic opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, showing resilience in the face of challenging circumstances. The team will continue to navigate a busy schedule and international commitments as they strive to maintain their position as one of the top teams in Major League Baseball.
