Roki Sasaki joins Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB move

Japanese pitching prodigy signs with World Series champions.

Roki Sasaki speaks during a press conference at Zozo Marine Stadium in Chiba, near Tokyo, on January 27, 2024. Photo by Kyodo/Getty Images

By Widya Lestari and Dian Suswono

Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki announced on Friday that he has signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a significant milestone in his career. The 23-year-old star, renowned for his blazing fastball and remarkable performances in Japan, confirmed the move in a brief Instagram statement, ending weeks of speculation about his future.

"I have signed a minor contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers," Sasaki wrote, sharing an image of a Dodgers baseball cap at Dodger Stadium.

The deal adds Sasaki to a star-studded Dodgers roster, which already features Japanese icons Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The reigning World Series champions had been front-runners in a heated competition to secure Sasaki’s signature, outpacing notable teams such as the New York Mets, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Roki Sasaki has built a reputation as one of the most talented young pitchers in the world. Known for his 100 mph fastball and exceptional control, Sasaki boasts a professional record of 29 wins and 15 losses in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

His career highlights include a perfect game in April 2022, where he achieved a record-breaking 13 consecutive strikeouts. Sasaki was also a vital part of Japan's championship-winning 2023 World Baseball Classic team, playing alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto.

The move to Major League Baseball (MLB) represents a new chapter for Sasaki, who expressed gratitude and determination in his Instagram post. "It was a very difficult decision, but I will do my best to make it the right decision when I look back on my baseball career," he wrote.

Sasaki’s addition significantly bolsters the Dodgers’ pitching rotation as they aim to defend their World Series title. The team has already made significant off-season acquisitions, including two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.

The Dodgers are also preparing for Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching following elbow surgery and have high expectations for Yamamoto, creating a potentially formidable lineup alongside veteran Clayton Kershaw.

Sasaki’s MLB debut is eagerly anticipated, with fans and analysts alike expecting him to make an immediate impact.

Sasaki’s journey to the top has been marked by both talent and perseverance. His rise in baseball follows personal tragedy, as his father and grandparents were among the victims of the 2011 tsunami that devastated Japan. The disaster also destroyed his family’s home, leaving Sasaki to navigate a path of hardship before emerging as one of the sport’s brightest stars.

Sasaki’s agent, Josh Wolfe, highlighted the pitcher’s determination to reach MLB. "In order to take it to the next level, he had to come here, play against the best players in the world, and tap into the resources Major League teams offer," Wolfe said last month.

Wolfe believes Sasaki has the potential to become one of the greatest pitchers not only from Japan but in MLB history.

Dodgers’ championship ambitions

The Dodgers’ pursuit of Sasaki underscores their commitment to maintaining dominance in MLB. Following their October victory over the New York Yankees in the World Series, the team is focused on building a roster capable of back-to-back championships.

The addition of Sasaki, alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto, also cements the Dodgers’ appeal in Japan, where the team has become increasingly popular.

As Sasaki begins his journey in MLB, his signing represents a win for both the Dodgers and global baseball fans. With his remarkable talent and compelling personal story, Sasaki is poised to make a significant impact on the sport’s biggest stage.

For the Dodgers, the acquisition reinforces their title aspirations and strengthens their status as one of the most formidable teams in baseball. Fans in Los Angeles and beyond will eagerly await Sasaki’s debut and the beginning of a new era in his career.

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