Home » Sports » MLB » Los Angeles Dodgers

NPB All-Star could be a cheap Dodgers alternative to Tarik Skubal

The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't a shoo-in to sign Tarik Skubal, but they could find an intriguing alternative at a most cheaper price.

By Stephen Parello · Dodgers Way

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 12:08 AM

Key Things to Know

Dodgers Way suggests posted NPB pitcher Hiromi Itoh could be a cost-effective rotation target instead of re-signing Tarik Skubal.
Projected contracts estimate Itoh could sign a permanent two-year free-agent deal worth between $20 million and $22 million.
The writer notes Itoh threw at least 146 innings annually since 2021 and won the Sawamura Award in 2025.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Dodgers Way writer Stephen Parello argues that Nippon-Ham Fighters pitcher Hiromi Itoh could serve as an affordable rotation alternative to Tarik Skubal for the Los Angeles Dodgers. With Skubal drawing potential mega-contract interest from suitors like the Yankees and Cubs, the Dodgers could instead utilize the posting system to acquire Itoh.

Parello notes that projections from Jim Bowden and MLB Trade Rumors estimate a two-year free-agent contract worth $20 million to $22 million for the 29-year-old right-hander. The writer highlights Itoh's durability, deep pitching arsenal, and low walk rate as qualities that fit the Dodgers' rotation needs.

Read the full article on Dodgers Way

NPB All-Star could be a cheap Dodgers alternative to Tarik Skubal

More Los Angeles Dodgers News

Never Miss a Sports Update