Dave Roberts Believes Dodgers’ Elevated Brand in Japan Could Lure Roki Sasaki to LA
If Nippon Professional Baseball star Roki Sasaki leaves Japan for Major League Baseball this offseason, would he sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Sasaki, who helped Team Japan win gold at the World Baseball Classic in 2023, is one of the most sought after international prospects. The right-hander has drawn the attention of MLB thanks to his phenomenal fastball, which has reached 102.5 mph.
The Dodgers potentially could have an advantage in luring Sasaki thanks to the popularity of the team in Japan. The Dodgers have two of the biggest Japanese superstars on their team in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, helping the team’s popularity in Japan. This popularity has especially shown in the 2024 MLB postseason, with the Dodgers drawing millions of viewers from Japan despite the time zone difference.
Read more: Shohei Ohtani Acknowledges Fans in Japan Watching Dodgers Postseason
The Dodgers are also set to play in Japan next season, with the team scheduled to take on the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome to open the season.
Earlier this week, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked if he believes the Dodgers’ brand in Japan will give them an advantage in signing Sasaki.
“I hope so. Absolutely,” Roberts said. “We’re thinking alike now. Good for you.”
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain in September that the Dodgers should have an advantage in bringing in Sasaki.
“Even though he’s kind of a country kid from the farm, I think having Ohtani there, Yamamoto there would make him comfortable, say ‘you know what? I’d rather go where I have some friends,'” Nightengale said.
Nightengale added: “I think all 30 teams will be on him, like Ohtani. … All the teams on the West Coast have an advantage because it’s a lot closer to home. You’re not adding another 4-5 hour trip. … Particularly having Ohtani and Yamamoto on the team can help (the Dodgers) out.”
The lone concern for the Dodgers could be Sasaki’s injury history. Sasaki missed time during the 2024 season because of an arm injury, and the Dodgers already have a rotation susceptible to injuries. The injury risk might not scare the Dodgers away from signing Sasaki — they did trade for and extend Tyler Glasnow last December — but the Dodgers will have to be weary of managing him well.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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