Roki Sasaki says he’s signing with Dodgers, giving them monster Japanese trio in rotation

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant addition to their pitching roster by signing Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki. This move not only strengthens their rotation but also forms a formidable trio of Japanese pitchers, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Sasaki’s decision to join the Dodgers has generated considerable excitement and discussion within the baseball community.

Roki Sasaki’s Signing Details

Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher, announced his agreement with the Dodgers on January 17, 2025, via Instagram. The deal includes a $6.5 million signing bonus, as reported by MLB.com. Sasaki was posted by his Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, and had until January 23 to sign with a Major League team. His decision to join the Dodgers aligns with his aspirations to develop into one of the greatest pitchers of all time, a goal he believes the Dodgers’ organization can help him achieve.

Forming a Formidable Japanese Trio

With Sasaki’s addition, the Dodgers now boast a remarkable trio of Japanese pitchers:

• Shohei Ohtani: A two-way superstar known for his exceptional pitching and hitting abilities. Ohtani joined the Dodgers in the 2023 offseason, significantly enhancing their roster.
• Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Another talented right-hander who signed with the Dodgers prior to the 2024 season. Yamamoto has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes.
• Roki Sasaki: Renowned for his fastball, which consistently reaches triple digits, and his impressive performance in Japan, including a 2.02 ERA and 524 strikeouts over four seasons.

This trio not only brings exceptional talent to the Dodgers’ rotation but also highlights the team’s commitment to international scouting and player development.

Impact on the Dodgers’ Rotation

The inclusion of Sasaki is expected to have a profound impact on the Dodgers’ pitching depth. His youth and potential complement the experience of pitchers like Ohtani and Yamamoto. This depth provides the Dodgers with flexibility in managing workloads and strategizing matchups throughout the season. Additionally, the presence of three top-tier Japanese pitchers is likely to attract significant media attention and bolster the team’s marketability both domestically and internationally.

Reactions from the Baseball Community

The signing has elicited various reactions:

• Logan Webb’s Response: San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb reacted to the news by posting a GIF from “Space Jam,” implying that the Dodgers are assembling a superteam.
  New York Post
• Fan Concerns: Some fans express concerns that the Dodgers’ significant financial investments could impact the league’s competitive balance, leading to discussions about the need for a salary cap.
  The US Sun

Conclusion

Roki Sasaki’s signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, enhancing their pitching rotation and forming a formidable Japanese trio. As the 2025 season approaches, the baseball world will be keenly observing how this strategic move influences the Dodgers’ performance and the broader dynamics of Major League Baseball.