With his fiery fastball and incredible calmness on the mound, 23-year-old Japanese pitching star Roki Sasaki has gained international recognition. And now, he is set to make his move to Major League Baseball in 2025 after dominating in Nippon Professional Baseball, with a 2.02 ERA and astounding strikeout stats. No wonder the Los Angeles Dodgers are confident in him.

Sasaki’s move is not merely about monetary rewards. His contract will be subject to MLB’s international bonus pool rules, similar to Shohei Ohtani’s experience in 2017. This dynamic brings in several other factors in the Sasaki sweepstakes, including team establishment capabilities, cultural fit, and his possibility of winning titles. despite everything, Sasaki’s choice is expected to transform MLB’s competitive environment. Thoughts?

Dodgers’ legacy with Japanese players and Sasaki’s decision-making process

Roki Sasaki, the Chiba Lotte Marines right-hander, is currently in the midst of negotiations for his MLB move, with a decision expected between January 15 and 23. As multiple teams aim to capture Sasaki’s attention, the Dodgers are among the frontrunners. So, what card are they playing to win Sasaki’s favor? Well, even though the Dodgers have strong links with Japanese players, it might not be a decisive factor for Sasaki. He needs a place where he can hone his capabilities to achieve better things, not just another team to fit in.

So, what can guide his decision? Sasaki has made it apparent that he is focused on the future by meeting the coaching staff and resources of teams while staying abreast of their goals. And in these presentations, it was a personal request from him to exclude player involvement. He gave 2 hours to each team to pitch themselves and all the meetings were done in Los Angeles at Joel Wolfe’s (agent) office. While Sasaki is looking for a place where he can get better, he is also considering the market size.

These strategies seem like Roki Sasaki is putting due consideration in every aspect of a team. But, maybe not the players! The international signing window will open soon and the league will have its answer.

Contingency plan, what happens if Sasaki chooses elsewhere?

The Dodgers have backup plans if Roki Sasaki signs with another team. Being a World Series winner, the team has its fair share of the network. And that could just work in favor of them. Signing pitcher Blake Snell with a five-year, $182 million contract was a move forward in this approach, adding to an already powerful rotation. There is also one more option for the Dodgers. Guess who? Jack Flaherty. This starting pitcher finished with a 3.09 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. Besides, there is no denying the fact Los Angeles already has a well-established pitching lineup.

Bobby Miller. After an impressive rookie season with 8.5 strikeouts per inning, he is poised to become an ace. Stone, with a standout 2.80 ERA in the minors, is eager to make his MLB debut and leave his mark. So, if Roki joins the Dodgers, he would evidently become an intricate part of an already enhanced pitching rotation. Whatever be it, seems like the Dodgers would remain a dominant force in the National League because they are focused on managing a championship-caliber pitching staff.

Don’t miss out—join the conversation and share your thoughts on where Roki Sasaki might land.