The Los Angeles Dodgers recently welcomed a new addition to their pitching lineup, Japanese star Roki Sasaki. The announcement was made during a special ceremony held at Dodger Stadium, where Dodgers’ CEO Stan Kasten and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman spoke before Sasaki took the stage. Using an interpreter, Sasaki shared his excitement about joining the team and answered questions from the media.
A significant point of discussion was how the presence of other Japanese players, specifically Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, affected Sasaki’s decision to join the Dodgers. Ohtani had just finished an impressive season, culminating in a World Series victory in his first year with the Dodgers. Meanwhile, Yamamoto also had a notable rookie year.
Despite the career successes of Ohtani and Yamamoto, Sasaki emphasized that his decision was ultimately his own, independent of their influence. He communicated with both players before making his choice, but he had already decided to go with the Dodgers over other teams like the Padres and Blue Jays.
“I wasn’t focused on whether or not there were Japanese players on the team,” Sasaki said. “I was evaluating all the teams. However, I am excited to play alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto, as well as the entire talented roster.”
While the involvement of fellow Japanese players wasn’t a deciding factor for Sasaki, he did express the importance of being in an environment that embraces diversity. “It wasn’t a priority for me if there were Japanese players. But I wanted to ensure that I’d be welcomed in both the team and the city,” he added.
The choice to sign with the Dodgers came after careful consideration. Sasaki noted that he believes the Dodgers represent the best franchise in Major League Baseball (MLB) and expressed confidence in the team’s management. He voiced admiration for the stability and success showcased by the Dodgers.
When asked about his assessment of the team, Sasaki stated, “Overall, when I looked at the general consensus, I thought the Dodgers were at the top. The number one thing that stood out was the stability of the front office.”
The Dodgers are fresh off a World Series title and have made significant roster moves this offseason. With Sasaki now on board, they have also signed high-profile players such as two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell and All-Star reliever Kirby Yates. Additionally, they have retained key players like Teoscar Hernández and Blake Treinen, positioning themselves as serious contenders for another championship next season.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, fans and analysts alike are curious about Sasaki’s role with the Dodgers. At just 23 years old, he brings a two-pitch arsenal featuring a remarkable fastball and splitter. Although he might still be developing as a polished MLB pitcher, his skills are exceptional, and it is anticipated that he will quickly become integrated into the Dodgers’ rotation.
Sasaki’s journey to the major leagues has already garnered attention, dating back to the admiration he earned from scouts as a high school player. Friedman noted that Sasaki’s incredible talent was evident even then, highlighting his explosive pitching ability, precise command, and mature demeanor on the mound.
As 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Sasaki to see how he contributes to the Dodgers’ quest for success. The combination of Sasaki, Ohtani, Snell, Yamamoto, and All-Star Tyler Glasnow creates remarkable potential for a rotation that could be remembered as one of the greatest in MLB history.
This latest chapter in the Dodgers’ story illustrates their commitment to building a competitive team while embracing diverse talents from around the world. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Roki Sasaki adds another layer of excitement for fans eager to see how this talented player impacts the team’s future.
