The Los Angeles Dodgers signing Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki was nothing short of a Hollywood blockbuster. At just 23, Roki has been one of the young talents that every team was looking for, including the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres. However, as he joined the LA camp, Sasaki was spotted dismissing his Japanese teammates’ role in this decision, which came as a surprise to fans. 

Ohtani joined the Dodgers in 2023, as did Yamamoto. Ever since the duo’s impact has been evident, leading the team to a World Series title and a National League pennant in 2024. Hence, Sasaki’s denial of his Japanese teammates’ influence on his decision has put the Dodgers’ fans in shock. Nonetheless, there’s more to Sasaki’s statement from the January 22 press conference at the Dodgers stadium. 

Roki Sasaki speaks his mind on choosing the Dodgers

After a long battle for the young Japanese pitcher, Roki Sasaki, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious, signing him for $6.5 million. The Dodgers will be able to pair him alongside his Japanese teammates like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. However, when asked about their influence on his decision during a recent event, Sasaki said, “It wasn’t a priority for me if there was or was not a Japanese player on a team as I was looking at all the teams. I’m going to work towards making sure that I can stand side-by-side with them.” 

It came as a shock for many until Roki Sasaki cleared that the Japanese players’ presence was not the only thing he was looking for, as he looked at other teams too. The Dodgers’ front office stability and the recent World Series win are the contributing factors behind his decision. However, he feels privileged to work with the Japanese superstars and every other player on the team. With Sasaki’s impressive performance at professional levels, the Dodgers could use the six-man rotation and play him as per the schedule to which he had been accustomed in Japan. But there’s more than just him!

The LA Dodgers making it big this offseason

In addition to the young Japanese pitcher, Roki Sasaki, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed the two-time Cy winner Blake Snell for a five-year, $182 million contract. The left-hander posted an impressive 2.25 ERA, having 234 strikeouts in over 180 innings when playing for the San Diego Padres in 2023. His 11.2 career strikeouts every nine innings is one of the highest in MLB history, and this puts the Dodgers in a position to repeat the World Series championship. But that’s not all!

The LA Dodgers have also signed All-Star reliever Kirby Yates, who came off a great 2024 season where he posted a 1.17 ERA over 61.2 innings and made 33 saves with the Texas Rangers. Adding the veteran reliever to the bullpen has been a rather surprising move; however, it surely bolsters their roster. The Dodgers even managed to retain Teoscar Hernandez and Blake Treinen, which could further solidify their position, helping them to emerge as the favorites to win the World Series again the next season. 

Although it’s too early to say whether they are going to repeat the win or not, the Dodgers surely look like a strong team with the players they have in their lineup. What’s your take on it? Let us know in the comment section below.