In a move that sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the Los Angeles Dodgers landed the crown jewel of the international market by signing Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. The 22-year-old right-hander, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the game, chose the Dodgers over a host of other suitors, instantly bolstering an already formidable roster.
The Dodgers’ New Ace in the Hole
Sasaki brings an electrifying arsenal to the mound, headlined by a devastating splitter that earned an elite 80-grade from Baseball America. Paired with a lively fastball that sits in the high-90s, Sasaki has the raw stuff to develop into a true ace. While his velocity dipped slightly in 2024, his overall numbers remained stellar, posting a 2.35 ERA over 111 innings in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.
The Dodgers’ player development machine will now get to work refining Sasaki’s mechanics and pitch mix. With an already solid command profile and a deep pool of pitching expertise at their disposal, the Dodgers are uniquely positioned to maximize Sasaki’s immense potential. As he matures physically and gains a better feel for his array of plus pitches, Sasaki could rapidly ascend to the top of the Dodgers’ rotation.
A Dream Fit for Team and Player
For the Dodgers, signing Sasaki represents a coup on multiple levels. Not only do they add a potential frontline starter to an already stacked pitching staff, but they do so at a bargain price. By inking Sasaki to a standard MLB rookie contract, the Dodgers gain a premium talent without the pressures of a mega-deal that often accompany international stars.
This flexibility allows the Dodgers to gradually ramp up Sasaki’s workload as he acclimates to the rigors of a full MLB season. With a stable of capable starters to share the load and a likely six-man rotation to accommodate two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s rehab schedule, the Dodgers can bring Sasaki along at a measured pace while still reaping the benefits of his electric stuff.
Validating the Dodgers’ Global Brand
Perhaps most importantly, Sasaki’s decision to sign with the Dodgers serves as a resounding endorsement of the organization’s sterling reputation. In choosing the Dodgers over all other suitors, Sasaki affirmed the club’s standing as a premier destination for top international talent. This validation only figures to strengthen the Dodgers’ recruiting pitch moving forward.
Adding a prospect of Roki Sasaki’s caliber without surrendering trade assets or taking on a mega-contract is the ultimate best-case scenario. The Dodgers’ ability to pull this off speaks volumes about the strength of their brand on a global scale.
– ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan
A Seismic Shift in the NL West
While the Dodgers were already heavy favorites to capture the NL West crown, adding Sasaki takes their outlook from great to dominant. By plucking the prized righty from a pool that included their chief rivals, the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers simultaneously bolstered their own title hopes while dealing a crushing blow to their divisional foes.
| NL West Projections | With Sasaki | W/O Sasaki |
| Dodgers | 102.6 wins | 99.9 wins |
| Padres | 89.9 wins | 86.4 wins |
As the projections show, Sasaki’s presence transforms the Dodgers from mere heavy favorites into an overwhelming force. In a division rife with strong contenders, having a weapon like Sasaki could prove the ultimate difference-maker come October.
The Bottom Line
No matter how you slice it, the Dodgers knocked this signing out of the park. By adding Roki Sasaki on an exceedingly team-friendly deal, the Dodgers managed to strengthen their roster, bolster their global brand, and strike a blow to their chief rivals in one fell swoop. As Sasaki embarks on his MLB journey under the bright lights of Chavez Ravine, the baseball world will be watching with bated breath, eager to see the next chapter of the Dodgers’ dynasty unfold.
