Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a $6.5 million deal, adding firepower to an already elite roster for the 2025 MLB season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have landed a major international talent as Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki announced on Instagram that he has signed with the team.
According to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, Sasaki’s signing bonus is valued at $6.5 million.
To facilitate the deal, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel reported the Dodgers traded Dylan Campbell to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for international bonus pool money.
A Rising Star from Japan
Sasaki, 23, captured the attention of North American baseball fans during Japan’s gold-medal run at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
He posted a 3.52 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 7.2 innings over two starts.
The Chiba Lotte Marines officially posted Sasaki for MLB teams on November 9, making the two-time NPB All-Star available for signing.
The timing of his availability allowed him to receive a more lucrative signing bonus, bypassing the $2.5 million cap of the 2024 international signing period and securing $6.5 million under the 2025 rules.
Elite Talent with Questions
At his peak, Sasaki boasts a fastball averaging 99 mph, which has touched 103 mph. However, there are concerns about his health.
In 2024, his fastball velocity dipped to an average of 96.7 mph, with a reduced swing-and-miss rate of 12 percent compared to 24 percent in 2023, per FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen.
Sasaki also missed two months in 2024 due to an unspecified arm injury, raising red flags for potential durability issues.
Despite this, his potential as a No. 1 starter is undeniable, making him a high-upside addition for the Dodgers.
Dodgers’ Rotation Gets Stronger
The Dodgers’ ability to maximize talent, even with injury risks, makes them the perfect landing spot for Sasaki.
They recently bolstered their pitching rotation by signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract.
Sasaki joins an already star-studded roster alongside Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom signed with the Dodgers earlier.
This wealth of talent positions Los Angeles as a dominant force in MLB, boasting one of the strongest rotations and lineups heading into the 2025 season.
Championship Aspirations
If Sasaki remains healthy, the Dodgers’ rotation will be one of the best in the league, complementing an elite lineup.
Manager Dave Roberts has proven his ability to navigate injury-plagued seasons, guiding the team to a World Series win despite significant setbacks in 2024.
Sasaki’s signing solidifies the Dodgers as championship favorites and marks a new chapter for one of baseball’s brightest international stars.