Roki Sasaki’s Potential Move to the LA Dodgers: What It Means and Why They Are Favorites

The Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to make a significant addition to their roster with the potential signing of Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki. Sasaki, who has been on the radar of MLB teams for some time, recently declined an offer from his NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, sparking speculation about his imminent move to Major League Baseball.

Sasaki’s decision to decline the offer from the Marines is seen as a strong indication that he may be posted this winter, allowing MLB teams to pursue him. The Dodgers, in particular, have a long-standing interest in Sasaki, having had Asia-based scouts monitor him since his high school days and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman making multiple trips to Japan to watch him pitch live.

The Dodgers’ advantage in securing Sasaki lies in several factors. They have a substantial amount of international bonus pool money available, with around $5.1 million for the 2025 season. Additionally, the presence of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the Dodgers’ roster could make the transition to the MLB smoother for Sasaki, given the cultural and linguistic support they can provide.

However, there are complicating factors to consider. Sasaki is only 23, and under current international posting regulations, if he enters the MLB market before turning 25, he would be limited to a minor league contract with a signing bonus capped at under $10 million. This is similar to the situation Shohei Ohtani faced when he signed with the Angels in 2018. If Sasaki waits until he is 25, he could command a much larger contract, similar to Yamamoto’s record-breaking $325 million deal.

Despite these considerations, the Dodgers remain heavy favorites to land Sasaki. His performance in the 2024 season, despite a reported dip in velocity, was impressive with a 2.35 ERA, 129 strikeouts, and 83 hits over 111 innings. His addition to the Dodgers’ rotation, which could include Ohtani, Yamamoto, and other top pitchers, would significantly bolster their chances for future success).