The race for young Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki was one of the rare times when all 30 Major League Baseball teams had an equal chance to sign a highly sought-after player. It seemed like an opportunity for smaller-market teams to land a promising prospect and add some balance to the sport.
But that was not the case.
Sasaki, the 23-year-old right-handed pitcher with a fastball that can exceed 100 mph, is signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Sasaki joins the defending World Series champions, a move that felt inevitable from the start. The San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays were also in the running, but as expected, Sasaki is joining fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in LA.
The Dodgers didn’t even need to use a huge financial offer to bring Sasaki to Chavez Ravine. Since Sasaki is under 25 and has less than six years of service in Japan, MLB rules classify him as an international amateur. This means he could only sign a minor league contract with a limited bonus.
Los Angeles had just over $5 million available in its 2025 bonus pool to offer Sasaki when he made his decision. However, the team is making some moves to free up more money. The other 29 teams also had a similar or larger amount of money to offer.
A larger budget wasn’t the issue. Sasaki simply wanted to play for the Dodgers.
“At my news conference for joining the club, I hope to wear my Dodgers uniform, feeling gratitude for all those who have supported me,” Sasaki said in Japanese on Instagram.
And who could blame him?
The Dodgers are set up for success for many years ahead, with stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández, and Ohtani on the roster. Sasaki could join a rotation that already includes Ohtani, Yamamoto, two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Tony Gonsolin.
The presence of Ohtani and Yamamoto played a big part in Sasaki’s decision, but there are other reasons why Southern California is one of the best destinations in baseball, even more so than New York.
The Dodgers attracted nearly 50,000 fans per game last season, the highest in the league. On the road, the Dodgers are often treated like a home team, with fans cheering for them even when they’re in their away uniforms. Manager Dave Roberts has been a steady influence, guiding a star-studded team while managing the challenges of leading baseball’s most popular franchise.
The Dodgers are not only a successful team, but they’re also easy to like. Freeman’s friendly personality makes him a fan favorite, while Betts brings an unmatched coolness to the game.
Ohtani handled a rare controversy last spring after his interpreter was caught gambling millions, then went on to have a fantastic season, winning his third MVP award and becoming the first player in MLB history to have a 50-50 season.
Other teams in the National League have spent big to try to keep up. The Arizona Diamondbacks recently added ace Corbin Burnes in a $210 million deal. The San Francisco Giants spent $182 million on shortstop Willy Adames and even more to sign three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
The New York Mets spent a massive $765 million to sign outfielder Juan Soto.
However, each time one of their rivals makes a big move, the Dodgers respond with a move that feels like a counterpunch. While Sasaki may not have proven himself against MLB hitters yet, it’s a psychological setback for other teams to see the Dodgers getting stronger, especially when money wasn’t supposed to be an advantage.
While fans of rival teams may be disappointed by Sasaki’s decision, it’s a win for MLB, which saw a rise in popularity last season. The Dodgers are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000.
Spring training begins in less than a month, with the Dodgers’ first workout on February 11 in Arizona. Just six weeks later, the team will be playing in the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19.
The Dodgers will be at the center of the baseball world, and they will be the main attraction.
Get used to it.
