Roki Sasaki captures attention with his remarkable pitching skills, having made headlines during the World Baseball Classic in March 2023, where he represented Japan. Currently, he is one of three MLB teams vying for his signature, alongside the San Diego Padres and the Toronto Blue Jays. As the official opening of the 2025 international signing period approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers are optimistic about attracting Sasaki to their roster.
The Dodgers’ strategy began over a year ago when they identified a unique opportunity to enhance their team by targeting not only the two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who has since signed a historic contract, but also the talented Yoshinobu Yamamoto. With both players now onboard, the focus has shifted to securing Sasaki, regarded as a potential cornerstone for the team’s future.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman emphasized Sasaki’s importance to the team’s plans, noting that they would do everything possible to make Sasaki an integral part of their pitching staff. The franchise is keenly aware that their competition is stiff, as multiple teams, including the Padres and Blue Jays, are also pursuing the young arm.
Sasaki’s achievements in Japan, highlighted by a remarkable 2.10 ERA during his time in the Nippon Professional Baseball league, make him an attractive player. The Dodgers’ status as defending World Series champions and their reputation for player development further enhance their appeal. They have earned recognition for nurturing pitching talent, making them an ideal environment for Sasaki to thrive while potentially achieving his goal of becoming “the No. 1 player in the world.”
The Dodgers also benefit from an enhanced brand presence in Japan due to the recent signings of Ohtani and Yamamoto. Their upcoming games against the Chicago Cubs in March are expected to further solidify their standing in the Japanese market, which could translate into additional opportunities for Sasaki off the field.
Yet, the Dodgers are entering a challenging competition, with significant teams like the Padres, who have their own ties to Japanese talent through pitcher Yu Darvish, remaining in the hunt. Meanwhile, Sasaki’s recent decision to reevaluate his commitments could open the door for the Dodgers, particularly as they seek to maximize their limited international signing bonus pool.
In the coming days, Sasaki is expected to make his decision, and the Dodgers remain hopeful that their strategy and the personal connections built with him through Ohtani and Yamamoto will lead to another successful acquisition. The potential signing of Sasaki would not only bolster the team’s pitching staff but also strengthen their international footprint in the baseball community.
In summary, the Dodgers are aggressively pursuing Roki Sasaki, hoping that their recent signings and strong track record will entice him to join their championship-caliber roster. With anticipation building, the next few days will be crucial in determining whether their efforts pay off once again.