Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old Japanese pitcher, is a potential major addition for the Los Angeles Dodgers as the free agent market opens.
Sasaki has gained attention from multiple MLB teams, including the Dodgers, due to his impressive performance in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league.
In the 2023 season, Sasaki recorded a 2.35 ERA over 18 games, achieving a total of 129 strikeouts and only 32 walks.
Reports indicate that Sasaki declined a new contract offer from his current team, suggesting he is focused on pursuing a career in Major League Baseball.
Renowned sports journalist Ken Rosenthal states that the Dodgers are favorites to sign Sasaki if he decides to move to MLB.
The Dodgers currently have two major Japanese stars, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and adding Sasaki would further enhance their popularity in Japan.
The potential signing of Sasaki could solidify the Dodgers’ status as a beloved team in Japan, attracting new fans and increasing the franchise’s global visibility.