Andrew Friedman: Dodgers ‘Going To Do Whatever We Can’ To Sign Roki Sasaki
In the world of Major League Baseball, international scouting and talent acquisition are key pillars for teams looking to remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. One of the most exciting international prospects in recent years is Roki Sasaki, a young Japanese pitcher who has captivated scouts and baseball fans around the globe with his electrifying stuff. As a result, the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for their aggressive and strategic pursuit of top-tier international talent, are once again making headlines. In a recent statement, Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations, emphasized the team’s commitment to signing Sasaki, suggesting that the organization will “do whatever we can” to bring the 23-year-old phenom to the Major League Baseball stage.
For the Dodgers, a team that has consistently competed for championships, signing a talent like Roki Sasaki would be a game-changer. The young right-handed pitcher from Chiba Lotte Marines has already established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the world, with a fastball that can touch 102 mph, a devastating splitter, and a slider that has earned rave reviews from scouts. Sasaki is often compared to some of the best pitchers in MLB due to his rare combination of velocity, command, and off-speed offerings.
But what does it mean for the Dodgers to pursue Sasaki? Why is he such a coveted asset? And how does his potential signing fit into the Dodgers’ long-term plans? Let’s break down the importance of Roki Sasaki to both the Dodgers and the world of baseball.
Roki Sasaki’s Rise to Prominence
Before diving into why the Dodgers are so intent on signing Roki Sasaki, it’s important to understand why he is regarded as one of the best pitching prospects in recent memory. Sasaki was drafted by the Chiba Lotte Marines in the 2019 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) draft, and he quickly emerged as one of Japan’s most exciting young pitchers. His meteoric rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable.
Sasaki’s repertoire includes a fastball that regularly reaches the triple digits, a splitter that rivals some of the best pitchers in the world, and a slider that has been described as “filthy.” His ability to throw strikes with such velocity and precision has earned comparisons to some of the top MLB pitchers, even though Sasaki is still early in his professional career.
One of Sasaki’s most jaw-dropping feats occurred in 2022, when he pitched a perfect game in a NPB game, striking out 19 batters and needing just 105 pitches to complete the masterpiece. This performance, which solidified his place as one of Japan’s brightest stars, sent shockwaves through the baseball world and further increased his international profile. The combination of his impeccable control, devastating stuff, and the ability to perform on the big stage has made Sasaki a highly coveted prospect.
It’s no wonder that teams in MLB are clamoring for a chance to sign him. Sasaki’s potential is vast, and his ability to dominate hitters with his overpowering pitches makes him an extremely valuable asset for any MLB team looking to add an elite arm to their rotation.
Why the Dodgers Are All In on Roki Sasaki
Andrew Friedman has consistently shown a commitment to building a sustainable, competitive roster for the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the Dodgers have established themselves as one of the top teams in MLB, their front office has never been content to rest on their laurels. Over the years, the team has made strategic signings and acquisitions, particularly through the international market, to ensure they stay at the top.
The Dodgers’ interest in Sasaki is no surprise given their history of pursuing top-tier international players. They have previously signed international stars like Hyun-Jin Ryu, Kenta Maeda, and Jose Miguel Fernandez, each of whom made an immediate impact on the roster. The team’s willingness to explore the international market is one of the driving forces behind their success, and Sasaki would be a perfect fit in the Dodgers’ strategy of acquiring the best global talent.
The Dodgers have one of the most robust and far-reaching scouting networks in MLB, and their familiarity with Japanese baseball is unparalleled. Their success in signing Korean and Japanese players has created a pipeline that makes them an attractive destination for international talent. As Roki Sasaki is likely to make the jump to MLB in the near future, the Dodgers’ experience with scouting, developing, and integrating international pitchers gives them a distinct advantage.
Friedman’s statement, where he says the team is “going to do whatever we can” to sign Sasaki, underscores how important the acquisition of this young phenom is to the Dodgers’ future. With their core players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw aging, the team is looking to the next generation of stars, and adding someone like Sasaki would provide the Dodgers with a frontline starter for years to come.
What Roki Sasaki Brings to the Dodgers’ Rotation
If the Dodgers succeed in signing Sasaki, they would be adding one of the most exciting pitchers in all of baseball to their rotation. Sasaki’s fastball, which has been clocked at over 102 mph, would give the Dodgers a dominant weapon to pair with their already impressive pitching staff. The Dodgers have a history of developing pitchers into All-Stars, and Sasaki would be no exception. His ability to overpower hitters with velocity and his strikeout ability makes him a perfect candidate to thrive under the Dodgers’ development system.
But it’s not just about velocity. Sasaki’s splitter, often described as a “disappearing” pitch, is one of the best in the world. The pitch has been compared to the likes of Masahiro Tanaka’s splitter, which was a key factor in his success with the New York Yankees. Having a pitch like this in Sasaki’s arsenal would make him even more effective against MLB hitters, who are typically more patient than their counterparts in Japan. The Dodgers’ pitching coaches would undoubtedly work with Sasaki to refine his repertoire and help him adjust to the rigors of MLB.
Additionally, Sasaki’s ability to command his pitches and throw strikes with consistency is a trait that would make him a great fit in the Dodgers’ high-performance system. The team has shown time and again that they can take pitchers with raw talent and transform them into consistent stars. If Sasaki can bring his best stuff to MLB, he has the potential to become one of the most dominant pitchers in the league.
With Walker Buehler recovering from injury and Julio Urías entering the final stages of his contract with the Dodgers, adding Sasaki to the rotation would offer a long-term solution to the team’s pitching needs. Pairing him with the likes of Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, and the aforementioned Buehler would give the Dodgers a rotation capable of competing with any team in baseball for years to come.
The Financial and Logistical Considerations
While the Dodgers have deep pockets and the ability to spend aggressively, signing Roki Sasaki may not be as simple as just offering him a large contract. Under MLB’s posting system for Japanese players, Sasaki would have to be posted by his team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, and teams would have to pay a posting fee in addition to the contract offered to the player. This system makes the acquisition of top-tier international talent more complex but also ensures that the process remains fair and transparent.
Sasaki, being just 23 years old, is a highly sought-after asset, and the bidding for his services will likely be fierce. However, the Dodgers have a history of successfully navigating these processes, and they have the financial resources to make a serious push for the young pitcher. Their commitment to winning now and in the future makes them an ideal candidate to sign Sasaki, especially with the potential to solidify their rotation for the next decade.
The Global Impact of Signing Sasaki
A successful signing of Roki Sasaki would not only be a win for the Dodgers but also a statement about MLB’s global reach and its increasing integration with international baseball. Sasaki’s jump to the majors would mark another chapter in the growing pipeline of Japanese talent making its way to the United States, following in the footsteps of legends like Ichiro Suzuki, Shohei Ohtani, and Yu Darvish.
For the Dodgers, signing Sasaki would also increase their profile in Japan, which is a market that continues to grow in importance for MLB. The Dodgers already have a strong fanbase in Asia, and adding a player of Sasaki’s caliber would only enhance their international brand and expand their influence on a global scale.
A Strategic Move for the Dodgers’ Future
Andrew Friedman’s statement about signing Roki Sasaki reflects the Los Angeles Dodgers’ commitment to remaining at the forefront of MLB’s competitive landscape. Sasaki is one of the most exciting young pitchers in the world, and acquiring him would immediately elevate the Dodgers’ rotation while solidifying their future pitching staff.
With his electric stuff and the Dodgers’ reputation for developing talent, Sasaki has the potential to become an ace in MLB. His signing would be a move that fits perfectly into the Dodgers’ long-term strategy of blending international talent with their core group of homegrown players. As the Dodgers look to maintain their status as one of the best teams in baseball, signing a talent like Sasaki would be a crucial step in securing that future. If the Dodgers can “do whatever it takes” to bring him to Los Angeles, they may just have found their next superstar.
