Roki Sasaki News: GM Brandon Gomes Hopes Dodgers Get Second Meeting With Japanese Star

Noah Camras 01/10/2025

1 1 minute read

The Los Angeles Dodgers remain focused on adding Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki this offseason. Sasaki’s deadline to sign is just two weeks away, and thus far, there have only been reports about Sasaki’s first round of meetings.

Sasaki met with at least seven teams in Los Angeles, including the Dodgers. However, it’s currently unknown if he’s started his second round of meetings.

Last week, during the Dodgers’ re-introductory press conference for Teoscar Hernández, general manager Brandon Gomes was asked if the team would have a second meeting with Sasaki.

“I’m not able to say at this time,” Gomes said. “I hope so.”

The Dodgers have long been considered the favorites for Sasaki, however, other teams like the San Diego Padres would be a good fit, too. The Dodgers are hoping to sell Sasaki on their pitching development, winning culture, and, of course, the ability to play with two of the best Japanese players in the world in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Sasaki is expected to sign between Jan. 15-23, and will only cost a team’s international bonus pool. Dodgers president of baseball operations called him a “major priority,” as the 23-year-old is hoping to be one of the greatest pitchers in MLB.

Sasaki went back to Japan after his first round of meetings, but is currently back in Los Angeles, as he recently posted an Instagram post from L.A.