MLB Insider Says It Will Be ‘Surprise’ if Roki Sasaki Doesn’t Sign With Dodgers
The next Japanese-born superstar is on his way to the Major Leagues. Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki is going to be posted this offseason and will draw interest from all 30 teams.
The Dodgers will have two Japanese-born players on their roster for nearly a decade. Starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani each played their first seasons with Los Angeles this year. Ohtani and Yamamoto have grown the Dodgers’ popularity in Japan, which is one of the reasons Los Angeles looks like a perfect fit for Sasaki.
“If I were a star Japanese player, I’d want to be a Dodger, too,” one MLB insider told the New York Post.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post added: “It will be a surprise if Sasaki isn’t a Dodger.”
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Having two Japanese-born players already on the roster offers an array of advantages for Sasaki. The Dodgers organization has experience developing international players — especially in their rookie season, in Yamamoto’s case. Additionally, Sasaki could benefit from the mentorship of Ohtani and Yamamoto. The trio were teammates on Team Japan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
However, Ohtani said he will not try to recruit Sasaki.
Despite the advantages of joining the Dodgers, it is not a guarantee that Sasaki will sign with the reigning World Series champions. There has been speculation that Ohtani and Yamamoto’s presence may limit Sasaki’s endorsement opportunities. Also, Los Angeles has limited funds in their international bonus pool, which weakens their chances of landing Sasaki.
The 23-year-old has garnered attention from a number of MLB teams, including the San Diego Padres. It will be a battle this offseason to acquire the four-season Nippon Professional Baseball League veteran.
Sasaki is expected to be part of the next international signing class and will not sign with a team until after Jan. 15.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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I hope thev Dodgers still get him after all of the fake noise!
Everyone will be expecting Japanese professional players to sign with LA. He may or may not. We have an inside track with our background with Japanese players. Myself, I would be surprised if we make a splash in a big way this off season. We have ALL these guys coming back from surgeries. Gonsolin? He was a tough cookie. Dustin May? Those two alone were ready in October with their arms. Ohtani? He was ALMOST ready in October. Glasnow will be ready to go again. Yamamoto is a #1 or #2 for most teams. Clayton will be well rested. Toe and knee are on the way and should be 100% by January or February. Anyone have an update on Clayton? Then what about Walker? He could still re-sign with us. At a reasonable price. There are six or seven right there. We have another sleeper. Ben Casparius. If Sasaki can be signed for a reasonable amount, yes, Friedman should pursue. Surprisingly, THE ANGELS just signed Kikuchi. Maybe he ends up partnered with Sasaki. We have no need to break the bank for any starting pitchers. We just won the series. Let’s get Teo back. He should be our focus.
Sasaki cannot break the bank. He is only entitled to International bonus money – same with every team. As we all know, getting healthy pitchers for the year is nearly impossible for this team year after year – which is the main reason for going to a 6 man rotation next year.
Dustin May was NOT ready in October. I will be grateful if he is able to come back next year and be effective. He was nowhere near being ready in October.
I think he was referring to ohtani, who was almost ready for October.
The dodgers 2024 World Series Team just got $400,000+ for each full share…
players will want to go to Dodgers because each season they will get extra $$ for making playoffs