The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, have frequently made headlines for their aggressive pursuit of top-tier talent from around the world. Over the years, they have proven themselves to be leaders in scouting and developing talent both domestically and internationally. However, as of early 2025, there is growing speculation regarding their interest in Roki Sasaki, the young Japanese pitching sensation. Sasaki, who has garnered widespread attention for his extraordinary pitching performances in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), is now poised to make the leap to Major League Baseball. For the Dodgers, a team that prides itself on its player development pipeline and commitment to winning, the question is whether they should sign Sasaki or not. This decision is not without its complexities, as it involves a variety of considerations, ranging from the team’s immediate pitching needs to long-term strategic goals.
The Case for Signing Roki Sasaki
1. Unmatched Talent and Potential
Roki Sasaki, who plays for the Chiba Lotte Marines, has been widely regarded as one of the most promising pitching prospects to emerge from Japan in recent years. At just 22 years old, he possesses a fastball that regularly exceeds 100 mph (160 km/h) and a devastating splitter that has earned comparisons to some of the best pitchers in MLB history. His ability to maintain such velocity deep into games and his pinpoint control have earned him a reputation as one of the most unhittable pitchers in the world. Sasaki’s performance in the 2023 NPB season, where he posted a 2.20 ERA and struck out 217 batters in 178 innings, further solidified his status as one of the top pitching talents available on the international market.
For a Dodgers team that has historically excelled at developing pitching talent, Sasaki’s combination of electric stuff and youth presents an enticing opportunity. The Dodgers have long been known for their ability to mold pitchers into aces through their advanced analytics and player development programs, and Sasaki could potentially benefit from this environment. If the Dodgers are able to sign him, they could add yet another front-of-the-rotation arm to a staff that already includes the likes of Clayton Kershaw (who is nearing the end of his career) and Walker Buehler (returning from injury). Sasaki’s presence would help ensure that the Dodgers continue to have one of the most formidable pitching staffs in the MLB for years to come.
2. The Dodgers’ Track Record with International Talent
The Dodgers have proven time and again that they are capable of successfully integrating international players into their roster. The team’s successful acquisition of stars like Yasiel Puig, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and more recently, Korean pitcher Jin-Ho Jo has established the Dodgers as a top destination for international talent. These players have made significant contributions to the team, with Ryu even becoming a Cy Young candidate during his tenure in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers’ experience in dealing with the complexities of international signings — including language barriers, cultural differences, and the integration of players into the MLB ecosystem — makes them a prime candidate to successfully navigate the potential challenges of bringing Sasaki to America. Moreover, with Japan being one of the most well-established international pipelines for MLB talent, the Dodgers have likely already laid the groundwork for a successful relationship with Sasaki’s team, his agent, and the various stakeholders involved in his eventual move to MLB.
3. Long-Term Financial Investment and Cost Control
Another compelling argument for signing Sasaki revolves around the financial flexibility it could offer the Dodgers. Given the rising costs of elite starting pitchers on the open market, securing a young, controllable talent like Sasaki would represent a long-term investment that could yield significant value. Unlike a free-agent pitcher who would demand a large contract and a potentially large signing bonus, Sasaki, as an international player, would be subject to the international signing bonus pool rules, which could present the Dodgers with an opportunity to lock up an elite talent at a more reasonable cost.
Additionally, Sasaki’s age makes him an attractive long-term asset. With the ability to potentially control him for six or seven seasons through team options and arbitration, the Dodgers could maintain their financial flexibility while adding an ace-level talent to the rotation. This contrasts with the high-cost, short-term contracts of free-agent pitchers, who may not offer the same level of financial value over the long haul.
4. Competitive Window and Championship Contention
The Dodgers are currently in the midst of a championship window, with a core group of players — including Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith — providing a strong foundation for sustained success. The team has been a perennial playoff contender, and a major part of that success has been their pitching staff, which has consistently ranked among the best in the league.
Adding Roki Sasaki to this equation could be the missing piece that propels the Dodgers back to World Series contention, particularly as they look to navigate the postseason gauntlet. The rotation has been a source of strength for the team, but injuries and aging have raised questions about the depth and sustainability of their pitching staff over a 162-game season. Sasaki, with his combination of power and finesse, could provide the team with a reliable frontline starter capable of pitching in high-leverage postseason games. In a crowded National League West division, where the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants have also strengthened their rosters, the Dodgers cannot afford to miss out on an opportunity to secure a top-tier arm like Sasaki.
The Case Against Signing Roki Sasaki
1. Uncertainty in Translating to MLB Success
Despite Sasaki’s remarkable success in NPB, there remains a degree of uncertainty as to how his talents will translate to Major League Baseball. While there are obvious parallels between Sasaki and other successful Japanese pitchers like Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, it is important to recognize that not all NPB players have been able to transition seamlessly to MLB. Japanese pitchers, even those with elite stuff, have faced challenges adjusting to the higher level of competition, the different ballparks, and the grueling travel schedule of the major leagues.
The Dodgers would be taking a calculated risk in signing Sasaki, as there is no guarantee that he will be able to perform at the same level in MLB. Additionally, Sasaki’s unique pitching style and mechanics — while highly effective in Japan — could be vulnerable to exploitation by MLB hitters, who are typically more adept at adjusting to foreign pitchers. The Dodgers would need to invest considerable resources into scouting, analytics, and player development to ensure that Sasaki is properly integrated into the MLB system.
2. Risk of Injury and Wear
Another significant concern when it comes to signing Sasaki is the risk of injury, particularly given the heavy workloads that pitchers face in MLB. Sasaki has already accumulated significant innings at a young age, and his explosive velocity and the stress that comes with his pitching style could make him more prone to injuries. His fastball regularly reaches the high 90s and occasionally hits 101 mph, putting substantial strain on his arm and elbow.
Given the Dodgers’ history with pitching injuries, particularly with players like Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw, there may be concerns about whether Sasaki’s body will be able to withstand the demands of a full MLB season. There are also questions about how Sasaki’s workload will be managed — will he be able to maintain his velocity over a full 162-game schedule? These factors could potentially affect his performance, and by extension, the Dodgers’ investment.
3. Team Depth and Future Options
The Dodgers already have a strong and deep pitching staff, which has been an integral part of their recent success. With Kershaw, Buehler, and Julio Urías all having proven themselves as frontline starters, and with emerging talents like Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, the Dodgers may not necessarily need to make a big splash by signing Sasaki. The team’s focus may instead be on strengthening other areas, such as the bullpen or positional depth, as they look to balance their roster for the long term.
Furthermore, there is always the possibility that other, more affordable pitchers could emerge in the free-agent or trade markets. The Dodgers could decide that their financial resources would be better spent addressing other needs, rather than committing a significant portion of their budget to an unproven international player.
