The Los Angeles Dodgers have committed over $1.3 billion in future contract obligations and are in a strong position to compete for a championship in the 2024 season. With star power throughout their lineup, the Dodgers are a key part of Major League Baseball’s marketing efforts. They are also embracing the opportunity to play international games, starting the 2024 season with games in South Korea and potentially starting the 2025 season in Tokyo. While U.S.-based teams often play in Canada or Mexico, traveling to Asia for regular season series presents unique challenges.
The Dodgers made the long trip to Seoul for the start of the 2024 season, spending 14 hours in transit. This journey may become more frequent for the team, particularly as they have two of the best Asian-born players in baseball, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Ohtani signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers, while Yamamoto’s $325 million deal is the largest ever for a pitcher. These international games present logistical challenges for players, including jetlag and adjusting to a new time zone, which can impact their performance on the field.
Veteran Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas has spoken out about the toll that international travel takes on players. In an interview, he expressed frustration about not having a say in the scheduling of these games and the impact it has on players’ preparation for the season. Rojas highlighted the challenges of long flights, jet lag, and the disruption to players’ routines when they have to start the season in unfamiliar locations. Despite the difficulties, players like Tyler Glasnow have had to adjust and perform in these international games.
Glasnow had a successful regular season debut in South Korea, while Yamamoto struggled in his first outing. Rojas pointed out the unfairness of having players make their debuts in foreign countries rather than in front of their home fans. While players understand that these international games are part of their job, the challenges of traveling overseas and playing in unfamiliar environments can be difficult to adapt to. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers managed to win their domestic opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, showing their resilience in the face of adversity.
Overall, the Los Angeles Dodgers are navigating a unique situation in the world of Major League Baseball, with their international travel and star-studded lineup attracting attention both on and off the field. As they continue to compete for a championship and represent the league in global markets, the Dodgers are faced with the challenges of balancing the demands of their schedule with the well-being and performance of their players. With a strong foundation of talent and resources, the Dodgers will aim to overcome these obstacles and continue their quest for success in the 2024 season and beyond.
