The Los Angeles Dodgers are not done making moves this offseason, as they have met with star Japanese starter Roki Sasaki. The highly-desired 23-year-old right-handed starting pitcher has already met with five other teams; New York Mets, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers are the sixth team to have a sit-down with the prized pitcher. His nickname is “the Monster of the Reiwa Era.” He earned this nickname due to his commanding success in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Sasaski made his debut in NPB in 2021 and is now looking to make his MLB debut in 2025.
MLB rumors: Dodgers meet with Roki Sasaki, Mets still looking to add offense even after signing Juan Soto https://t.co/oRN385h5oC
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) December 29, 2024
Dodgers Make Pitch to Star Roki Sasaki
The 2024 World Series champs signed starting pitcher Blake Snell, re-signed Teoscar Hernández and signed Tommy Edman to a five-year extension. The Dodgers continue to make it difficult for other clubhouses to compete against them. In addition, they have the momentum of bringing Japanese stars to their organization with the big signings of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in 2023.
This could be a significant element that may drive Sasaski to sign with the Dodgers. Overall, we know how the Dodgers are go-getters when it comes to the free-agent market. But the Yankees also have this same competitive drive. Yet for all we know, Sasaski could sign with a mystery team. Former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes was expected to sign with either the Toronto Blue Jays or the San Francisco Giants. But then Burnes surprised everyone by signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Sasaski owns an incredible fastball that can reach up to 102.5 mph. He also carries a dominant presence on the mound with a solid arm delivery. His success and performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is what has drawn a lot of attention toward him. Japan ended up earning the gold, defeating the United States in the WBC final. Sasaski recorded a 1-0 record with a 3.52 ERA and 11 punchouts. He is one of the top starting pitchers on the market left to be signed.
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