Baseball World Reacts to Roki Sasaki Choosing Dodgers as LA Builds Japan Superteam
The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off another blockbuster move by signing superstar free agent starting pitcher Roki Sasaki. The Japanese-born right-hander announced the news via his Instagram account.
The Dodgers were among three finalists in the Sasaki sweepstakes, alongside the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays. Shortly before Sasaki’s announcement, the Padres were seemingly out of the running for the 23-year old as the franchise pivoted to two different international prospects.
Sasaki’s decision sparked varying reactions on social media.
San Diego’s offseason has been one of the least productive in MLB history, which is disappointing to Padres fans. Other than a handful of minor league contracts, the Padres have not acquired any new talent.
But, there was a brief moment when Padres fans thought Sasaki would sign with San Diego. Sasaki was spotted training at Petco Park while wearing Padres gear over the weekend.
San Diego fans were not the only people upset with Sasaki’s decision. Many MLB fans expressed their frustration with the Dodgers hogging all the big-name free agents.
In this offseason alone, Los Angeles has signed starting pitcher Blake Snell, utility man Hyeseong Kim, outfielder Michael Conforto, and now Sasaki. The Dodgers have also re-signed outfielder Teoscar Hernández and reliever Blake Treinen.
In spite of the negative reactions on social media, Dodgers fans are rejoicing in the fact that Los Angeles won the Sasaki sweepstakes.
With the addition of Sasaki, the Dodgers’ rotation features five potential aces.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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