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Essentials Inside The Story

  • @The Blue Jays reportedly scouted the 25-year-old pitcher months back
  • @The Dodgers are motivated to keep their Taiwanese legacy alive
  • @Rumors around LA eyeing to move Emmet Sheehan to make space

The Dodgers and Blue Jays often seem to target the same stars, from Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger to Bo Bichette and Edwin Diaz. Now, once again, another highly sought-after international star has drawn interest from both sides.

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According to Taiwanese outlet TSNA, the Los Angeles Dodgers may be looking to strengthen their presence in Asia by bringing in another international talent. Reportedly, the Dodgers are “one of the most proactive MLB teams” pursuing 25-year-old pitcher Hsu Jo‑Hsi this offseason.

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Interestingly, Japan’s Orix Buffaloes and SoftBank Hawks are also among the other teams showing interest in the pitcher. After all, Jo-Hsi is viewed as one of the best pitchers across Asia.

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Making his professional debut in Taiwan at as young as 20, the right-hander has a career record of 16-18. While the win-loss numbers might not stand out, ‌his impressive 2.42 ERA tells a different story. Across 305 innings, the Chinese Professional Baseball League star has recorded 349 strikeouts while allowing only 229 hits.

These impressive numbers have drawn interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Francisco Giants as well. In fact, Toronto reportedly sent a scout to watch the Taiwanese pitcher. Back in August, Taiwan Baseball even made an X post that included the Rangers and Jays as the only MLB teams interested.

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His skill set, paired with his physical profile (5′11″ and 170 pounds), makes him an intriguing prospect. Other sources also put him closer to 5′9″ and just under 170 pounds.

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Given that he’s a member of Taiwan’s WBC team, no wonder MLB teams are getting excited!

Jo‑Hsi reportedly features a fastball that touches the upper 90s, complemented by a strong mix of off-speed pitches. While he has primarily been a starter, he could also fit the role of a high-leverage reliever.

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But then again, injuries have been a concern, undergoing a TJ surgery in 2022. And there’s one more hiccup, too!

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Japanese clubs could likely offer the Wei Chuan Dragons’ 25-year-old pitcher significantly more money than MLB teams. Largely because of the limits imposed by international bonus pools.

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Taiwan has produced several players, making their marks in the big leagues. Among the most notable are former Dodgers All-Star Hong‑Chih Kuo, pitchers Chieng Ming-Wang and Wei-Ying Chang, and Ching Feng-Chang, the first Taiwanese player in the history of the major leagues.

It’s almost bizarre that the Dodgers have featured more Taiwanese players than any other franchise.

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Intriguingly, the Dodgers are already rumored to be clearing room in their roster by moving a 26-year-old pitcher.

Rumors around the 26-year-old Dodgers pitcher

The Los Angeles Dodgers have arguably everything a team could want. But perhaps, they could use an upgrade in pitching rotation and left field.

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Bleacher Report suggests the Dodgers move Emmet Sheehan to fill a need at left field, in particular.

With the Dodgers’ “big four” of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani, plus the return of River Ryan and Gavin Stone after missing all of 2025, the team has considerable pitching depth.

Not to forget, Roki Sasaki, Landon Knack, and Emmet Sheehan, all of the ones who started at least seven games last season.

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The team has a stockpile of arms. Now they’re also eyeing Jo‑Hsi, and the team needs to make space for the left fielder.

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For a young pitcher like Sheehan with a bright future, it’s probably a little frustrating to be part of such a stacked roster. But the reality is, he might be one move away from landing in a situation where he can fully showcase his abilities.

Sheehan brings valuable big-game experience, having pitched out of the bullpen in the World Series. It’s something that could make him an immediate asset wherever he lands.

The Dodgers could be inclined to hold onto a talent like Sheehan. After all, it’s not easy to develop young players into promising prospects only to trade them away before seeing the payoff.

Still, if a trade could address a real lineup need, especially for someone who might have been the No. 7 or 8 starter at the season’s start, the Dodgers may have little choice but to explore it.

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Written by

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Kinjal Talreja

1,042 Articles

Kinjal Talreja is an NFL Editor at EssentiallySports. She cut her teeth on the American sporting circuit as a baseball writer, contributing to the MLB Behind the Scenes Desk. With three years of experience in beat reporting, she brings a sharp editorial perspective to the unpredictable moments of baseball, capturing the emotion and excitement of the game.

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Ahana Chatterjee

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