Baseball World Reacts to Roki Sasaki Choosing Dodgers as LA Builds Japan Superteam
The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off another huge move by signing superstar free agent starting pitcher Roki Sasaki. The Japanese-born right-hander broke the news via his Instagram account.
Along with the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres, the Dodgers were one of three teams that advanced to the Sasaki sweepstakes finals. The Padres appeared to be out of the running for the 23-year-old shortly before Sasaki’s announcement, as the team shifted their focus to two other international prospects.
On social media, Sasaki’s choice generated a range of responses.
Padres fans are disappointed since San Diego’s offseason has been among the least productive in MLB history. The Padres haven’t added any new players, save for a few minor league contracts.
However, Padres supporters briefly believed Sasaki would sign with San Diego. Over the weekend, Sasaki was seen working out at Petco Park while sporting Padres gear.
Not just San Diego supporters were disappointed by Sasaki’s choice. The Dodgers’ monopoly on the top free agents was a source of annoyance for many MLB fans.
Los Angeles signed outfielder Michael Conforto, utility player Hyeseong Kim, starting pitcher Blake Snell, and now Sasaki in this offseason alone. Additionally, reliever Blake Treinen and outfielder Teoscar Hernández have been re-signed by the Dodgers.
Despite the unfavorable social media responses, Dodgers supporters are celebrating Los Angeles’ victory in the Sasaki sweepstakes.
The Dodgers now have five possible aces in their rotation after adding Sasaki.
In Another News…
Dodgers sign Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki
The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to sign 23-year-old Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki.
Once more, the Los Angeles Dodgers have succeeded.
The Dodgers have signed Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki, a move that could further establish their global reach and mold their rotation going forward.
At Dodger Stadium, the 23-year-old pitching sensation is expected to excite fans and terrorize opposing teams with his electrifying arm. On Friday afternoon, he made the announcement himself on Instagram.
As Sasaki narrowed down his options from a competitive field to just three finalists—the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays—this historic agreement puts an end to weeks of suspense.
The Dodgers’ legendary history, championship pedigree, and chance to play with fellow countrymen Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani were too alluring to ignore, despite the Padres and Blue Jays’ strong pitches.
Sasaki’s resume in a short period of time in Japan is quite remarkable. He recorded an incredible 2.02 ERA and 524 strikeouts in just over 414 innings while playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Scouts on both sides of the Pacific have referred to Sasaki as a “generational talent” because to his destructive splitter and triple-digit fastball.
Sasaki’s special position as an international amateur free agent makes this agreement a relative steal, in contrast to his countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who last winter earned a record-setting 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers.
Sasaki’s contract is limited to $5–6 million under MLB’s international signing regulations, which is a modest amount to pay for a player who many think might lead a rotation for the ensuing ten years.
The Dodgers have locked in a potential ace who will continue to be affordable for years to come because Sasaki is under club control through 2030. This provides the team with a great deal of freedom to keep adding players to a squad that is already loaded with talent.
From Hideo Nomo to Chan Ho Park to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers have long been leaders in the global market. Sasaki’s inclusion in their extensive roster of international stars demonstrates their dedication to embrace baseball’s worldwide reach.
Sasaki is probably going to be a part of a Dodgers rotation that is predicted to be among the best in baseball in 2025, if not the best.
highlighted by three-time Eiji Sawamura Award (the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young Award) winner Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner. Yamamoto Yoshinobu, 2024 All-Star Shohei Ohtani, 2022; Tyler Glasnow, three-time MVP Award winner All-Star The Dodgers rotation will be among the most fearsome starting units in baseball history, starting with Dustin May, Landon Knack, Tony Gonsolin, and eventually three-time Cy Young Award winner and former MVP Clayton Kershaw.
Fans of the Dodgers will soon be able to witness their newest star. Sasaki is anticipated to make his Major League Baseball debut in 2025, avoiding the minor leagues completely. In addition to increasing the Dodgers’ chances of winning the championship, his arrival will spark enthusiasm throughout the league.