3 teams that totally blew it by not signing Japanese star Tomoyuki Sugano

The Los Angeles Dodgers are enjoying life, as they won their first World Series title since 1988 nearly three months ago. Now, they have a target on their back in the tough National League. If anyone needed further evidence, just look at their division rivals.

This Hot Stove season, the San Diego Padres decided to load up on pitching by signing Mike Clevinger to a two-year contract and acquired ace pitchers Blake Snell and Yu Darvish in two separate blockbuster trades. If that isn’t a message to the Dodgers that the Padres are coming for the division crown, then we don’t know what is.

Los Angeles’ roster is arguably the most stacked in the league, but just like any championship-winning team, they can extend their potential dynasty by adding more big-name players. This is the Dodgers we’re talking about. They’re not afraid to spend money.  But it just so happens the Dodgers have an opening in their starting rotation.

David Price, whom the team acquired along with Mookie Betts in their trade with the Red Sox last year, opted out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Manager Dave Roberts noted this offseason that he’s unsure if Price will return to the team in 2021.

Tomoyuki Sugano could’ve been the perfect fit for the Dodgers. He’d fill a vacancy in the rotation and it would further cement the team as the favorites to represent the NL in the 2021 World Series. What a wasted opportunity.