Dodgers Land Japanese Phenom Roki Sasaki in Record Signing

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers officially introduced Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, marking the culmination of a highly anticipated signing process. The 23-year-old right-hander, known for his triple-digit fastball and devastating splitter, signed a minor league contract with a $6.5 million signing bonus, the majority of the Dodgers’ international signing pool.

Sasaki, who posted a 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts in 394⅔ innings over four seasons with Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines, called the decision to join the Dodgers “an incredibly difficult choice.” He was posted by the Marines in December 2024, sparking interest from 20 Major League Baseball teams. Eight teams met with Sasaki at the offices of his agency, Wasserman, before the field was narrowed to three finalists: the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays.

“Every organization helped me in its own way, and it was an incredibly difficult decision to choose just one,” Sasaki said through an interpreter. “I am fully aware that there are many different opinions out there. But now that I have decided to come here, I want to move forward with the belief that the decision I made is the best one.”

The Dodgers, long considered favorites to land Sasaki, emphasized their track record of developing pitchers and their strong presence in Japan. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, “His goal is to be the first Japanese pitcher to win a Cy Young, and he definitely possesses the ability to do that. We’re excited to partner with him.”

Sasaki joins a star-studded Dodgers rotation that includes fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom signed massive free-agent deals in December 2023. The Dodgers, who won the 2024 World Series, have continued to bolster their roster, committing over $1 billion in contracts since the offseason began.

Despite rumors of a prearranged deal, Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, denied any impropriety. “I believe this was a fair and level process,” Wolfe said. Major League Baseball investigated the signing process but found no evidence of wrongdoing, allowing Sasaki to be included in the 2025 international signing class.

Under MLB rules, Sasaki, who is under 25 and has less than six years of professional experience in Japan, was classified as an international amateur. His earnings are restricted to the Dodgers’ signing-bonus pool, and the team will control his rights until he accrues six years of MLB service time.

The Dodgers plan to handle Sasaki carefully, deploying a six-man rotation to ease his transition to the majors. Sasaki, who has thrown just over 200 innings in the past two years, said his immediate goal is to “beat the competition and make sure I do get a major league contract.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed excitement about Sasaki’s potential. “He’s one of the most electrifying and promising talents in the game,” Roberts said. “We’re thrilled to have him.”

Sasaki’s signing also carries emotional weight. Reflecting on the wildfires affecting Los Angeles, he drew parallels to his own experience surviving a tsunami in his hometown at age 9. “As a member of the Dodgers, starting today, I am dedicated to give my best and strive forward with the people of this city,” he said.

The Chiba Lotte Marines will receive a $1.625 million release fee, calculated as 25% of Sasaki’s signing bonus. The Dodgers also signed several other international prospects, including Venezuelan infielders Luis Tovar and Moises Acacio, Panamanian left-hander Adrian Torres, and Colombian shortstop Luis Luna.