Japanese phenom pitcher Rocky Sasaki chooses the Dodgers
The World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching rotation is set for a major lift. On Friday, aspiring Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki announced he would play for the Dodgers.
The 23-year-old revealed on Instagram that he is signing a minor league contract with the organization. Saski’s Japanese team, Chiba Lotte Marine, will receive compensation from the MLB franchise.
Sasaki is the latest Japanese-born superstar to land in Los Angeles last year. Last summer, superstars Shohei Otani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto joined the team. Otani in 2010 He was the lone designated hitter in 2024, but won his third MVP award. In the year It plans to return to the dock in 2025.
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Japan’s Rocky Sasaki during their Pool B game against the Czech Republic at the World Baseball Classic at Tokyo Dome, Japan, Saturday, March 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously said signing Sasaki was considered a “top priority.”
The combination of youth and elite level talent has made Saski a highly sought after prospect. However, the Dodgers were considered favorites in the race to land a pitcher whose fastball routinely reached 100 mph. He can also throw an impressive splitter which reinforces his ability to be an AC in pitch rotation.
A long list of MLB clubs provided Saski and Wasserman representatives with information about their organizations at the winter meetings in December. While many of these groups met in person, only three organizations made the shortlist. In January, the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres and Dodgers were the final teams.
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The Dodgers’ projected pitching rotation already features Tyler Glasnon, Yamamoto, Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell signed with LA earlier this offseason.
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