Roki Sasaki, the talented young pitcher from Japan, has captured the attention of Major League Baseball teams, with the Los Angeles Dodgers seen as one of the front-runners to sign him. Sasaki’s potential addition comes as the Dodgers have successfully secured two other star Japanese players, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, thus aiming to enhance their roster and expand their international brand.
Sasaki is expected to sign when the 2025 international signing period opens on Wednesday. Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, emphasized the team’s commitment to bringing Sasaki to Los Angeles, stating that he is a “major priority” for the organization. Sasaki’s accomplishments in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, where he recorded an impressive 2.10 ERA, make him an appealing option to bolster the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
The Dodgers’ recent success in recruiting Japanese talent could play a significant role in convincing Sasaki to join the team. Ohtani’s influence and Yamamoto’s positive experience with the Dodgers after Ohtani’s signing were pivotal in Yamamoto’s decision to join the franchise on a 12-year, $325 million contract.
Additionally, the Dodgers boast a successful history and reputation for developing pitchers, which aligns with Sasaki’s goal to become “the No. 1 player in the world.” The club’s status as defending World Series champions and their upcoming season opening series in Japan against the Chicago Cubs provides further attraction to potential signings from the country.
However, Sasaki faces competition, with the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays also in the mix, each with their own consortium of appealing factors. The Padres, for instance, feature Yu Darvish, a notable compatriot and friend of Sasaki.
While the Dodgers were previously limited by one of the smallest international signing bonus pools due to luxury tax penalties, recent developments, such as a high-profile commitment shift by Dominican shortstop Darrell Morel, may have created additional flexibility in their budget.
As Sasaki weighs his options, the Dodgers remain hopeful that they can replicate their past successes in attracting top-tier Japanese players, thereby strengthening both their roster and cultural connection with fans. The team’s dedication to developing long-term relationships with international players will certainly play a critical role in rounding out their future successes.
In summary, the upcoming days are crucial for the Dodgers and Sasaki as the potential for a transformative signing looms, symbolizing not only a significant sports achievement but also a continuation of deepening international ties in baseball.