Japanese Pitcher Roki Sasaki Set to Join Dodgers’ Star-Studded Rotation

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Roki Sasaki Signs with Dodgers, Forming Monster Japanese Trio

The 23-year-old phenom has agreed to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This deal gives the Dodgers one of the most-hyped pitching prospects in recent memory.

Sasaki’s signing bonus is reportedly $6.5 million, per The Athletic. He will have the same status as any other MLB rookie once he makes his debut, going through pre-arbitration and arbitration years before hitting free agency after six years of service time.

Why Sasaki Chose the Dodgers

The Dodgers were widely assumed to be Sasaki’s destination when he was first posted. They offered him a chance to play for a consistent World Series contender and recent two-time winner, with one of the best pitching development programs in MLB. The team also promised an extra day of rest between starts due to their six-man rotation.

The Implications of Sasaki’s Signing

This deal is considered one of the best in MLB history since the Los Angeles Angels landed Ohtani for approximately $22.3 million ($20 million of which went to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters). The Dodgers’ advantage in signing Sasaki was largely due to their ability to offer a better package than other teams.

Sasaki’s Limitations

While Sasaki is an elite talent, he is not yet a finished product. He has only two pitches: a fastball that sits in the high 90s and one of the nastiest splitters in the known universe. However, he made some progress with a slider last season and will likely continue to work on it.

The Collateral Damage

The most unfortunate part of Sasaki’s decision is the potential cost to other players. The international signing system and Japanese posting system are heavily flawed, and this deal may lead to changes in how MLB and NPB operate.

What’s Next for Sasaki?

If Sasaki meets certain conditions on Opening Day (being on the Dodgers’ active roster, having rookie eligibility intact, and being on at least two Top 100 prospect lists), he will qualify for MLB’s Prospect Promotion Incentive. This means that if he wins Rookie of the Year or places in the top three of Cy Young voting before qualifying for arbitration, the Dodgers will receive a draft pick directly after the first round.

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