Prized Japanese Pitcher Roki Sasaki Set to Join Ohtani and Yamamoto on Los Angeles Dodgers

New Chapter in Major League Baseball for 23-Year-Old Phenom

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher with a 100mph fastball, Roki Sasaki, has made it official via an Instagram post that he plans to sign with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The news comes after months of speculation and rumors regarding Sasaki’s potential move to the MLB, with the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres also reportedly interested.

Details of the Contract

Sasaki’s post translated to "I have signed a minor contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a very difficult decision, but I will do my best. I will wear my Dodgers uniform, feeling gratitude for all those who have supported me," at his joining news conference." The contract was made possible with the Dodgers’ available international signing bonus pool, which can increase by up to 60% through trades made in the coming week.

A Smooth Transition to the Major Leagues?

The Dodgers, who are looking to become the first repeat champion since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees, plan to implement a six-man rotation, easing Sasaki’s transition to MLB. This arrangement will allow Sasaki to join fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the roster.

His Background and Statistics

Sasaki was made available to MLB teams for a 45-day window by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan’s Pacific League under the posting agreement between Nippon Professional Baseball and MLB. As he is under 25 and lacks six years of service time in NPB, Sasaki is considered an international amateur by MLB and limited to a minor league contract subject to the signing pool. The Marines will receive a release fee of 25% of the amount of Sasaki’s signing bonus.

Investigated by MLB

Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, denied an agreement with the Dodgers was already in place during a news conference at the winter meetings. Wolfe stated that MLB had conducted an investigation following allegations of a predetermined deal between Sasaki’s team and the Dodgers.

Career Highlights

Sasaki posted a 10-5 record with a 2.35 ERA in 18 games last year, striking out 129 hitters in 111 innings while dealing with shoulder inflammation. His impressive career numbers include a 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA in four seasons with the Marines. He also boasts a perfect game against Orix in April 2022, a testament to his exceptional abilities.

2025 Start

The Dodgers’ first spring training workout will take place on February 11 at Glendale, Arizona. The team is set to start their regular season with a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 18 and 19.

FAQs

• Why did Roki Sasaki sign with the Dodgers?
  Sasaki’s Instagram post stated that the decision was made after careful consideration, and he will do his best to be grateful for everyone who has supported him.
• What is Sasaki’s stats and background in Japan?
  He has a career record of 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA in four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Pacific League.
• Will Sasaki be part of the Dodgers’ starting rotation?
  The Dodgers’ plan to employ a six-man rotation will potentially ease Sasaki’s transition to the MLB.
• What was the investigation outcome regarding Sasaki’s contract signing?
  MLB conducted an investigation and found that there was no predetermined deal or agreement between Sasaki’s team and the Dodgers.