Is Roki Sasaki ever going to be the greatest pitching prospect? This is what executives stated.

Roki Sasaki has already captured the attention of baseball fans, scouts, and executives alike with his extraordinary pitching abilities. As of now, he is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the world, and many believe he has the potential to become one of the greatest of all time. The hype surrounding Sasaki is not just due to his electric stuff, but also the consistency and poise he has displayed at a young age. To explore whether he will eventually become the greatest pitching prospect in history, we need to dive into his background, skill set, and potential trajectory in the Major Leagues.

Early Life and Development

Roki Sasaki was born on November 3, 2001, in Japan. His development as a pitcher began at a young age, and he quickly made a name for himself as a high school prodigy. Sasaki’s impressive arm strength and mechanics became apparent during his time at Ofunato High School. His fastball, clocked at 98 mph as a high schooler, turned heads, and his performances in Japan’s high school baseball tournaments garnered national attention.

Sasaki’s early rise mirrored the path of some of Japan’s greatest pitching prospects. Similar to Shohei Ohtani, Sasaki was not just a pitcher, but also a hitter in high school, demonstrating his athleticism and versatility. However, unlike Ohtani, who would eventually focus on both hitting and pitching in the MLB, Sasaki’s career path was almost always going to be centered on his arm, given the sheer velocity and movement of his fastball.

A Phenomenal Start to His Professional Career

Sasaki was selected by the Chiba Lotte Marines in the 2019 NPB Draft, and by the time he made his debut for the team, he was already being billed as one of the most exciting pitching prospects in recent memory. Upon entering the professional ranks, he immediately flashed the talent that had made him so highly coveted. His fastball, often hitting 101 mph with remarkable consistency, was one of the fastest pitches in Japan at the time. However, it wasn’t just the speed that set Sasaki apart, but also the movement on his pitches. He was able to throw a combination of fastballs, sliders, and splitters that seemed to baffle hitters.

In his rookie season, Sasaki showed the potential to dominate on the mound. He became a sensation in Japan, earning attention from MLB scouts and executives, who had already begun comparing him to the greats of the game. His fastball velocity and his ability to command all his pitches led many to believe that Sasaki had the potential to become a transcendent pitcher. By 2021, he had already established himself as a budding star in Japan’s NPB, earning the nickname “The Monster of Chiba.”

Why Sasaki Is Considered One of the Greatest Pitching Prospects

There are several factors that contribute to Sasaki’s current status as one of the greatest pitching prospects in the world. Let’s break down his attributes and skills.

1. Fastball Velocity and Movement

Roki Sasaki’s fastball is undeniably his calling card. Consistently hitting triple digits, his fastball is not only fast but also has a late, explosive movement that makes it nearly impossible for batters to square up. While velocity alone doesn’t guarantee success in the Major Leagues, the combination of speed and movement gives Sasaki a unique edge. His fastball, which has been clocked as high as 102 mph, ranks among the fastest in the world, even when compared to Major League pitchers.

Additionally, Sasaki’s ability to locate his fastball with pinpoint accuracy is another impressive aspect of his game. Executives often note that this combination of velocity and control is rare, and it is what sets him apart from many other pitching prospects. The movement on his pitches—particularly his fastball—has been compared to some of the best in the game, including the likes of Sandy Koufax and Pedro Martinez, who were known for the sharp late movement on their fastballs.

2. Pitch Repertoire

While Sasaki’s fastball is his standout pitch, he also boasts a highly effective slider and a devastating splitter. His slider has been clocked in the mid-90s, giving it the kind of velocity that makes it extremely difficult for batters to distinguish it from his fastball. His splitter, a pitch often used to generate ground balls and strikeouts, also shows sharp break and late movement, making it a formidable weapon.

Together, Sasaki’s arsenal makes him a very difficult pitcher to prepare for. The combination of a high-velocity fastball, a wicked slider, and a diving splitter gives him the tools to keep hitters off balance, and he has proven capable of using all three pitches to get outs in multiple situations. His pitch mix, coupled with his command and velocity, makes him one of the most exciting pitching prospects to watch.

3. Physical Tools and Athleticism

Sasaki’s body is built for pitching. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing around 205 pounds, he has the physical frame to handle the workload of an MLB starter. His size and athleticism give him the power to generate elite velocity, and his fluid delivery allows him to repeat his mechanics with consistency. His ability to stay healthy and avoid injury will be key to his success, but the combination of strength, agility, and coordination that Sasaki possesses bodes well for his future as a professional pitcher.

4. Mental Approach and Poise

In addition to his physical tools, Sasaki’s mental approach to pitching has impressed scouts and executives alike. Despite being thrust into the spotlight at a young age, he has shown remarkable maturity and poise on the mound. His ability to stay calm under pressure and execute pitches in high-leverage situations is a sign of the mental toughness that is required to succeed at the highest levels of baseball.

One of the hallmarks of the greatest pitchers is their ability to maintain composure when facing adversity. Sasaki’s performance under pressure suggests that he has the mental fortitude to thrive in high-pressure MLB games. Executives who have seen Sasaki pitch in Japan believe that he has the makings of a true ace, someone who can handle the spotlight of Major League Baseball and rise to the occasion when it matters most.

How Does Sasaki Compare to Other Great Pitching Prospects?

To gauge whether Sasaki will one day be considered the greatest pitching prospect, we must compare him to some of the other all-time great pitching prospects. Many have come before him with similar hype and expectations, but few have been able to deliver on those promises. Here’s how Sasaki compares to some notable pitching prospects in history.

1. Stephen Strasburg

When Stephen Strasburg was drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2009, he was immediately regarded as one of the best pitching prospects in history. Strasburg’s fastball routinely touched 100 mph, and his curveball was considered one of the best in baseball. Like Sasaki, Strasburg entered the professional ranks with massive expectations. His Major League debut was met with overwhelming anticipation, and he delivered on the hype with an impressive first season.

However, Strasburg’s career has been marred by injuries, including Tommy John surgery, which has hindered his long-term success. This serves as a cautionary tale for Sasaki, who will need to maintain his health to achieve his full potential.

2. Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw, often considered one of the best pitchers of his generation, was also a highly regarded prospect when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006. Kershaw’s combination of a devastating curveball and a fastball that reached the upper 90s made him a can’t-miss prospect. Since his debut, Kershaw has become one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history.

Kershaw’s success is a testament to the importance of a well-rounded skill set, which is something Sasaki also possesses. If Sasaki can mirror Kershaw’s success, he could become one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

3. Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani, another Japanese superstar, has made an indelible mark on Major League Baseball. Ohtani’s combination of pitching and hitting has earned him comparisons to Babe Ruth, but as a pitcher, his stuff is also exceptional. While Ohtani was a top prospect in Japan, Sasaki’s focus on pitching—without the added dimension of hitting—might give him an even clearer path to greatness on the mound.

While it’s tough to make a direct comparison between Sasaki and Ohtani, Sasaki’s fastball velocity and secondary pitches could make him one of the top pitchers in MLB, especially if his career follows the trajectory of Ohtani’s pitching dominance.

Will Sasaki Be the Greatest Pitching Prospect?

While it’s difficult to definitively state that Roki Sasaki will become the greatest pitching prospect of all time, the potential is certainly there. His combination of elite velocity, impressive pitch movement, and mental approach make him one of the most promising young pitchers in recent memory. However, several factors will ultimately determine whether he reaches the lofty expectations placed upon him.

First, Sasaki must remain healthy and avoid the injuries that have plagued other high-velocity pitchers. Second, he will need to adjust to the MLB level, where the competition is fierce, and hitters are more patient and disciplined. Finally, Sasaki will have to prove that his talent can translate to sustained success over a long career.

In conclusion, while the journey ahead for Sasaki is far from certain, the excitement surrounding his potential is undeniable. Whether he becomes the greatest pitching prospect of all time may depend on a variety of factors, but one thing is clear: Sasaki’s combination of physical tools, mental makeup, and natural talent make him one of the most highly anticipated pitchers in the world today. If he continues to develop and avoid injury, there’s a strong possibility that Roki Sasaki could one day be remembered as one of the greatest pitching talents the game has ever seen.