Dodgers Star Pitcher’s Effort to Recruit Roki Sasaki Amid the Japanese Pitcher’s Decision

In the world of baseball, the art of pitching often takes center stage, with certain names forever etched in the minds of fans. When you think of legendary pitchers, you think of Cy Young, Sandy Koufax, Nolan Ryan, and more recently, the global phenomena like Shohei Ohtani. But among the young prospects who are turning heads, one name that has been circulating through the baseball world with increasing frequency is Roki Sasaki. The Japanese pitching sensation has captivated the hearts of fans not only in Japan but also in the United States, where MLB teams are constantly on the lookout for the next big star.

As Sasaki’s talent continued to flourish on the mound for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), MLB teams began to take notice. His combination of velocity, control, and the elusive “perfect game” achieved in 2022 made him a highly coveted international prospect. But beyond the statistics, his status as a generational talent made him a symbol of the future of pitching — and the future of baseball itself. Among those watching closely were members of the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most successful and forward-thinking franchises in Major League Baseball.

The Dodgers and Their Pursuit of Sasaki

The Dodgers are renowned for their scouting and player development systems, making them an attractive destination for international stars. The team’s history of winning, stable management, and dedication to cultivating pitchers has made them a team that many overseas talents dream of joining. Among the prominent figures within the organization is their ace pitcher, who has not only become a central figure for the Dodgers but also a vocal advocate for international talent.

This star pitcher, who had already achieved considerable success in MLB, recognized the rare opportunity that Roki Sasaki represented. Sasaki’s potential to be an elite pitcher in MLB was undeniable. The Dodgers ace, knowing the pressures of competing in both domestic and international baseball, made it a priority to reach out to Sasaki personally. In a rare and insightful move, the ace of the Dodgers initiated a recruitment effort that aimed to both entice and reassure the young Japanese pitcher. His efforts were not just about convincing Sasaki to come to MLB but were also an effort to make the transition to American baseball easier, both on and off the field.

The conversations between the Dodgers pitcher and Sasaki were rooted in experience, mentorship, and an understanding of the unique challenges that come with making the leap from Japan’s NPB to the major leagues in the United States.

The Background: Roki Sasaki’s Rise to Fame

Before delving into the Dodgers pitcher’s recruitment efforts, it’s important to understand who Roki Sasaki is and why he has become such a sought-after player. Born in 2001 in Japan, Sasaki burst onto the scene as a high school prodigy. His fastball, which touches 102 mph, and his devastating splitter have made him one of the most intriguing pitching prospects in recent memory. In 2021, Sasaki was drafted by the Chiba Lotte Marines, where he quickly ascended to the top of their rotation.

Sasaki’s most memorable moment came in 2022, when he threw a perfect game, striking out 19 batters in a game against the Orix Buffaloes. The performance was hailed as one of the most dominant in modern baseball, not just in Japan, but across the world. His mix of velocity and command is rare, even by MLB standards, and scouts have long recognized that Sasaki possesses the potential to dominate at the highest level of competition.

But Sasaki’s path to MLB has been filled with uncertainty. While many Japanese stars have successfully made the transition to the major leagues, the move is never easy. The culture shock, the language barrier, the difference in the style of play, and the sheer pressure of living up to expectations all weigh heavily on players coming from Japan. For Sasaki, who had grown accustomed to his role in Japan, the decision to move to MLB was not one to be taken lightly.

The Dodgers Ace: A Mentor in the Making

The Dodgers ace, whose own career had been built on overcoming challenges and excelling under pressure, was uniquely positioned to understand these struggles. Having spent several years in the major leagues and seen firsthand the struggles of international players, the Dodgers pitcher saw the importance of creating a strong support system for players like Sasaki.

This pitcher, a seasoned veteran of both MLB and international baseball, knew that the transition would require more than just baseball skills. It would take time to adjust to a new country, a new league, and the heightened expectations that come with playing in the spotlight of MLB. As someone who had made similar transitions in his own career, the Dodgers ace took it upon himself to reach out to Sasaki personally and offer both guidance and a sense of comfort in the process.

The Dodgers ace emphasized how important it was for Sasaki to maintain his identity as a pitcher while embracing the unique aspects of American baseball. He assured Sasaki that the Dodgers’ system would nurture his skills and help him develop even further. But more importantly, the pitcher stressed the importance of finding a sense of belonging, a sense of home, even in the challenging environment of MLB.

“I know it can be intimidating at first,” the Dodgers ace is reported to have said in one of their conversations. “But the Dodgers family is built on supporting one another. We’ll help you adjust. You don’t have to go through it alone.”

This heartfelt approach resonated with Sasaki, who had long been aware of the challenges he would face in making the jump to MLB. But the reassurance from a fellow pitcher — someone who had navigated these waters himself — gave Sasaki a sense of confidence that perhaps the transition would be more manageable than he had originally thought.

Sasaki’s Decision

In 2024, Sasaki’s name entered the rumor mill, with speculation that he would be making the jump to MLB. However, he remained tight-lipped about his decision, refusing to confirm or deny whether he would follow in the footsteps of players like Ohtani and pursue a career in the United States. His dedication to his team in Japan remained strong, and he expressed a desire to finish his career with the Marines.

The recruitment effort by the Dodgers ace, though, was not a one-time conversation. Over the months, the two pitchers kept in touch, with the Dodgers ace offering advice, talking about life in MLB, and even suggesting ways to prepare for the transition. These conversations were not just about baseball, but about Sasaki’s future, his happiness, and how to navigate the pressures of being an international star.

When Sasaki finally announced in 2025 that he was making the decision to pursue a career in Major League Baseball, many believed that the Dodgers had played a pivotal role in this decision. Although Sasaki had yet to publicly confirm the details, those who knew the situation speculated that the Dodgers’ personalized recruitment effort, led by the star pitcher, had helped solidify his decision.