The inside story on how the Dodgers landed Rōki Sasaki reveals a journey filled with strategic scouting and persistence. For the second consecutive offseason, anticipation surrounded one of Japan’s most promising baseball talents as he prepared to announce his MLB destination on social media, stirring excitement and uncertainty among teams.
Last winter, Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, described the pursuit of Shohei Ohtani as an “emotional roller-coaster,” recalling the chaotic 24 hours leading up to Ohtani’s announcement, which included false reports linking him to Toronto and a flight-tracking saga involving a prominent investor.
This offseason lacked the stakes of a two-time MVP or hundreds of millions in contracts, yet similar tensions resurfaced as the Dodgers awaited Rōki Sasaki’s decision, the latest sensation in Japanese pitching.
Sasaki, a 23-year-old flamethrower, faced amateur restrictions after being posted by his club before turning 25. This limited him to minor-league deals and a team’s international bonus pool funds. As teams scrambled to secure his services, the Blue Jays made a significant move by adding $2 million in international bonus pool space just hours before Sasaki’s announcement on January 17. The pressure was palpable in the Dodgers’ front office, with one executive describing the atmosphere as “pins and needles.”
“I received a text saying he was going to Toronto,” recalled a Dodgers talent evaluator, expressing the fear that all their hard work would come to naught. Fortunately, the message turned out to be false.
In just a few weeks, Sasaki could make his regular-season debut back in Japan at the Tokyo Dome, where the Dodgers are set to face the Cubs on March 18-19. For now, the Dodgers are thrilled to see his No. 11 jersey on the mound at Camelback Ranch.
The reigning champions not only secured Sasaki but also landed Blake Snell, another highly sought-after pitcher. Both players shared bullpen sessions shortly after Dodgers pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in Arizona. The Dodgers invested $182 million in Snell, including a $52 million signing bonus, while Sasaki’s signing bonus was a mere $6.5 million, highlighting the value they believe they have acquired.
A total of twenty teams expressed interest in Sasaki, with eight receiving in-person meetings. Each team had to address a unique assignment from Sasaki, who wanted insights on why his velocity had dipped the previous season and how they could help him regain his form.
While Sasaki posted respectable stats with a 2.35 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP in 2024, these numbers represented a decline from his previous standout seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, where he recorded a 1.78 ERA and struck out 135 batters in just 91 innings.
Despite the dip in performance, MLB teams were undeterred. The potential of Sasaki’s arm made him a worthwhile investment, especially given his modest signing bonus due to amateur restrictions. A player of his caliber would typically command a nine-figure salary on the open market.
However, Sasaki’s homework assignment raised questions among teams about how much proprietary information to share with a player who might choose a different team. On the upside, it allowed teams to understand his expectations better and address areas for improvement without causing offense. Sasaki acknowledged that he still had room to grow and needed further development to reach his full potential.
“I felt that this assignment would be a great opportunity for me to gauge how teams think,” Sasaki stated through an interpreter.
After being posted on December 9, Sasaki had a 45-day window to select his new team. He opted to wait until the 2025 international signing period when teams’ bonus pools would reset. To streamline his decision, he visited only three finalists, allowing him to experience each team’s environment more thoroughly.
The Dodgers, fresh off their World Series victory, were long considered favorites for Sasaki, leading MLB to investigate any potential pre-existing agreements before he was posted. The San Diego Padres, who nearly defeated the Dodgers in the playoffs and had Yu Darvish as a mentor figure for Sasaki, also made the cut.
After each visit, Sasaki’s agent felt optimistic about the team’s chances. “It felt like a coin flip,” Joel Wolfe said, expressing uncertainty until Sasaki ultimately declared, “OK, it’s the Dodgers.”
Friedman described the moment of confirmation with pure excitement, reflecting the months of effort invested in the recruitment process.
Despite the close competition from the Blue Jays and Padres, the outcome was not surprising. The Dodgers have consistently made the playoffs and won two World Series in the past five years. Their success, combined with the presence of stars like Ohtani, who is a household name in Japan, made them an appealing choice for Sasaki.
“The Dodgers are everywhere,” Wolfe noted, emphasizing the visibility and influence the team has in Japan due to Ohtani and Yamamoto.
Rōki Sasaki signed with the Dodgers after they’d scouted him for nearly seven years. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Dodgers are also exploring a pilot program to establish fan clubs in Japan, reflecting their growing influence in Asia. Their reach extends to Korea, where they kicked off the 2024 season with an exhibition game against a Team Korea squad featuring infielder Hyeseong Kim. Kim, who grew up idolizing the Dodgers thanks to Chan Ho Park and Hyun-Jin Ryu, joined the revamped roster alongside Sasaki, Snell, and top reliever Tanner Scott.
This momentum aligns with the Dodgers’ strategy when they committed $700 million to Ohtani last offseason.
Tyler Glasnow compared the team to “The Avengers,” praising the depth of talent on the roster.
The Dodgers were among the first teams to show interest in Sasaki before he became a highly regarded prospect. They began scouting him during his second-to-last year in high school when Jon Deeble, the Dodgers’ director of Pacific Rim scouting, received a tip about a promising pitcher in Ofunato, just 50 miles from Hanamaki, where Ohtani and Kikuchi attended school.
“We were there when no one else was,” Deeble recounted, reflecting on their early commitment.
Sasaki competed in the All-Japan High School Baseball Tournament in 2019. (Photo by Sports Nippon/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ scouting efforts included conversations with Sasaki’s coach and those familiar with him, as they navigated the challenges of connecting with players in Japan, who are often closely guarded by their coaches.
Galen Carr, the Dodgers’ vice president of player personnel, traveled to Japan in early 2019 to observe Sasaki. Despite freezing temperatures, Sasaki showcased a fastball that reached 100 mph and an exceptional splitter. His physical attributes and presence on the mound indicated immense potential.
The Dodgers aimed to sign Sasaki directly out of high school but recognized he would likely play in Japan’s NPB. Sasaki also wanted the chance to compete in the prestigious Summer Koshien tournament, which prevented an early signing with an MLB club.
Although they couldn’t sign him then, the Dodgers remained dedicated.
“We committed to evaluating him and showing genuine interest,” Carr said.
After an impressive showing in Koshien, where he threw 194 pitches in one game, Sasaki’s manager made the tough decision to rest him for the final, prioritizing his long-term health. Without him, Hanamaki triumphed.
Sasaki’s innings were closely monitored in 2021, but he excelled with a powerful fastball and splitter. He achieved remarkable feats, including a 19-strikeout perfect game at just 20 years old and a stellar 1.78 ERA with 135 strikeouts in 91 innings in 2023. He also showcased his talent on the international stage during the World Baseball Classic, reaching speeds over 100 mph.
When the time came for Sasaki to transition to MLB, the Dodgers were ready.
Sasaki helped Team Japan win the 2023 World Baseball Classic, alongside now-Dodgers teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. (Photo by Yuki Taguchi/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
“We believed Rōki would be available two years ago, then last year, and now finally here,” stated Dodgers president Stan Kasten. “We aim to be flexible and take advantage of opportunities.”
Carr estimates he made around 20 trips to Japan over the past two years, while Deeble travels four to five times annually to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, often combining trips. The Dodgers have made it a priority to have a representative present at every Sasaki start for the past two seasons.
“Once we recognized his exceptional potential, we committed to being there consistently,” Carr explained. “L.A. offers many reasons to choose the Dodgers, but we believe our genuine interest and effort made a difference.”
Sasaki will be part of a six-man rotation with the Dodgers. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
“I am honored that so many teams expressed interest in me, especially since I haven’t accomplished much in Japan,” Sasaki shared during his introductory press conference.
His skills, however, have caught the attention of talent evaluators.
“If he continues to develop, he could be a Cy Young contender,” Gomes remarked, drawing comparisons to Paul Skenes.
The timeline for Sasaki’s development remains uncertain. The Dodgers believe he has the potential to become the best pitcher in baseball, but he may not be an immediate star. With a six-man rotation and the presence of Ohtani, they feel uniquely equipped to be patient with his growth.
“Rōki’s ceiling is as high as anyone in baseball, but I wouldn’t expect him to finish in the top three for the Cy Young in his rookie year,” Carr stated. “He has areas to improve, and I believe he chose the Dodgers because he feels we offer him a solid chance to reach his full potential.”
The Dodgers excelled in the homework assignment, showcasing their collaborative strengths. Sasaki noted that the stability of the Dodgers’ front office was a standout feature during their initial pitch. They spent significant time discussing how they would support him if he chose the Dodgers, including sharing insights on his delivery and how quickly they could address any issues.
After narrowing down his options, the Dodgers hosted Sasaki at the home of minority owner Peter Guber, where their superstars made a final pitch. Although Yamamoto was in Japan, Ohtani attended the meeting. Sasaki indicated that having a Japanese player on the team was not a priority, but he wanted assurance that a Japanese player would be embraced by the team and the city.
“As a player and a person, I’m rooting for him to be successful, regardless of the team he chooses,” Ohtani expressed through an interpreter. “Of course, I wanted him to be a Dodger, but my main message was support.”
When Sasaki finalized his decision, he informed Ohtani and Yamamoto first. Ohtani quickly relayed the news to the Dodgers’ front office, ahead of Sasaki’s agent. Gomes then texted manager Dave Roberts.
“My response included some expletives, but I was genuinely excited,” Roberts recalled. “Many hours and miles went into this process.”
With a strong presence in the Japanese market already established, the Dodgers’ pursuit of MLB’s top prospect marked the successful culmination of nearly seven years of effort.
