The Los Angeles Dodgers are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Reports indicate that the team recently met with free agent right-handed starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto at Dodger Stadium, adding to their already active pursuit of top-tier pitching talent.

With the recent signings of fan favorite Joe Kelly and the versatile Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers have demonstrated their commitment to strengthening the pitching staff. The deferral payments in Ohtani's contract have given the team more flexibility to pursue high-caliber free agent starters without exceeding the competitive balance tax.

According to CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson, the bidding for Yamamoto's services is expected to exceed $300 million, excluding the posting fee to be paid to his NPB team, the Orix Buffaloes. This potential signing would provide the Dodgers with a young starter who has not yet reached his physical prime, contributing to their already youthful rotation. Scouts have praised Yamamoto's impressive arsenal and precise pitch command.

The Dodgers' efforts to enhance their roster don't stop at starting pitching, as they have reportedly expressed interest in former Padres closer Josh Hader. Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci reports that the team is poised to allocate significant resources towards signing both Yamamoto and Hader. The left-handed Hader had a standout season in 2023, boasting a minuscule 1.28 ERA, 33 saves, and an impressive 321 ERA+, showcasing his abilities to dominate in high-pressure situations.

While the Dodgers have made considerable moves this offseason, including the signing of Ohtani, the re-signing of Kelly, and Jason Heyward, they may still need further reinforcements to solidify their position as World Series favorites. Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller suggests that in order for the Dodgers to be considered the true favorites, they should consider signing one of the remaining top starters on the market, such as Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery. Additionally, adding pitchers from the next tier, including Shota Imanaga, Lucas Giolito, or Marcus Stroman, could further strengthen their rotation.

As the MLB offseason progresses, the Dodgers continue to make headlines with their aggressive pursuit of top talent. With Yamamoto and Hader on their radar, the team aims to build a formidable roster capable of securing another Commissioner's trophy for the city of Los Angeles in 2024.