The Chicago Cubs are set to kick off their regular season ahead of schedule with a trip to Tokyo to face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Japan Series on March 18-19.
This matchup brings two of Japan’s most prominent baseball stars back to their home country: Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga and Dodgers two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani.
For Tokyo fans, this series is a treat, especially if it could feature a pitching duel between Imanaga and Ohtani. However, that dream matchup won’t happen.
During DodgerFest, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts discussed Ohtani’s recovery. Ohtani, who didn’t pitch last season due to Tommy John surgery, was still able to contribute significantly at the plate, leading the National League in home runs and RBIs, with a .310/.390/.646 slash line and 54 homers. His performance earned him his third MVP award, crossing both the AL and NL.
While Ohtani will be able to hit in the Japan Series, he won’t be pitching. Roberts confirmed that Ohtani’s throwing program is on schedule for a May return to the mound, as per MLB.com, and reiterated earlier statements that Ohtani wouldn’t pitch in Tokyo. However, there’s an open possibility for an earlier return if his recovery progresses well. This caution also accounts for his recent shoulder surgery after an injury during the World Series.
On the Cubs’ side, Imanaga is gearing up for his second MLB season. Last year, he had a stellar rookie performance, going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA, earning All-Star honors, and finishing high in both Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award voting.
Post-Tokyo, the Cubs will return to Arizona for spring training before starting a four-game series against the Diamondbacks from March 27-30, followed by a three-game set in Sacramento against the Athletics. Their first game back at Wrigley Field won’t be until April 4 against San Diego.
This Mets-White Sox trade could give New York the firepower to topple the Dodgers
Last season, the New York Mets were just two victories away from facing off against the New York Yankees in the World Series. Instead, the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League title and the championship. Post-season, both teams have been fiercely competing in an offseason arms race.
The Dodgers have significantly enhanced their pitching rotation by signing Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates, while also improving their lineup and infield defense. Meanwhile, the Mets made a massive financial commitment to secure Juan Soto, the top free agent available.
However, aside from Soto, the Mets’ offseason moves have been less spectacular. Kodai Senga’s return will certainly strengthen their pitching. They’ve also brought back Sean Manaea and Jesse Winker, and added Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes, and AJ Minter to their roster. Yet, the unresolved situation with Pete Alonso, a cornerstone of their lineup, looms large.
For Soto to lead the Mets to a World Series win, he’ll need support. The Yankees’ run last year showed that even with stars like Soto, Judge, and a strong pitching staff led by Gerrit Cole, success isn’t guaranteed. The Dodgers, now even stronger, pose a formidable challenge.
With Luis Severino gone and Jose Quintana potentially following suit, the Mets are in the market for another starting pitcher. Adding a quality arm would bolster their chances against LA, but to truly contend, they need more star power alongside Soto. This brings us to Luis Robert Jr., the Chicago White Sox’s center fielder.
Robert Jr. has shown he can hit for power, average, speed, and play elite defense, though injuries have often sidelined him. If he stays healthy, his impact could be game-changing. He’s under team control until 2027, but the White Sox’s high asking price has deterred teams like the Giants and Reds. The Mets, however, with their depth in prospect talent, might be the ideal trade partner.
The question remains, who could orchestrate such a trade to bring Robert Jr. to New York?
