Los Angeles Dodgers Add Roki Sasaki to Already Stacked Pitching Rotation

Roki Sasaki, the highly sought-after international pitching prospect, has officially signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding to their already impressive pitching staff and potentially forming a historic rotation with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani.

Roki Sasaki, the highly sought-after 23-year-old pitching prospect, has officially signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The announcement was made on Friday, marking the start of the international signing period. Sasaki had narrowed down his options to three teams - the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays - before ultimately choosing the Dodgers.

Sasaki's decision to join the Dodgers comes on the heels of the team's recent World Series victory. He will be part of a talented roster looking to defend their title. Notably, Sasaki will be joining forces with fellow Japanese players Yoshinobu Yamamoto and reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani. This exciting development is expected to bring a new level of enthusiasm to the Dodgers' fan base.

As the most coveted international pitching prospect of the offseason, Sasaki brings impressive credentials to the Dodgers. His performance with the Chiba Lotte Marines last season was outstanding, with a 2.35 ERA in 111 innings, accompanied by 129 strikeouts, 32 walks, and 83 hits. Over four seasons with the Marines, Sasaki compiled a remarkable record of 30-15, boasting a stellar 2.02 ERA, 0.883 WHIP, and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

BREAKING: Roki Sasaki announced he's signing with the Dodgers pic.twitter.com/VCb065SS9M

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 17, 2025

The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff, already considered one of the best in the league, is about to get even stronger with the addition of Roki Sasaki. The right-hander will join a rotation that ranked 13th in ERA, 12th in strikeouts, 8th in WHIP, and 7th in opponents' batting average last season. With Sasaki on board, the Dodgers will need to make some adjustments to their starting rotation, which is already packed with talent.

Los Angeles Dodgers, RHP Roki Sasaki agree to deal, per Sasaki's Instagram. pic.twitter.com/XTl9nMvHSy

— MLB (@MLB) January 17, 2025

The potential for a historic rotation is exciting, as Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani could become the first trio of Japanese starting pitchers in MLB history, assuming Ohtani pitches this season. Former manager Hideki Kuriyama has praised Sasaki's passion and dedication, saying, “When Roki pitches, it's as if he's throwing his soul, not the baseball.” This level of intensity and commitment will undoubtedly make Sasaki a valuable asset to the Dodgers.

Despite his current success, Sasaki's journey to becoming a coveted pitcher has not been easy. A heartbreaking feature by Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic shed light on the challenges Sasaki faced before rising to prominence. Now, with Sasaki on board, the Dodgers have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season. The team's fans are eagerly anticipating the impact Sasaki will make, and the potential for a historic rotation is generating significant excitement.