Roki Sasaki Meets Dodgers: Key Updates

The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the latest MLB teams confirmed to have held in-person meetings with highly coveted flamethrowing Japanese star Roki Sasaki. According to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register, the Dodgers join the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers on the list of teams that have met with Sasaki and his agent, Joel Wolfe. The Dodgers’ involvement solidifies their interest in the 23-year-old phenom from the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, widely regarded as the top international prospect since Shohei Ohtani in 2017.

This development adds to the intrigue surrounding Sasaki’s impending transition to Major League Baseball. Before Plunkett’s report, only the Yankees, Mets, and Cubs had been reported to have met with the star pitcher. The Texas Rangers, led by president of baseball operations Chris Young, publicly acknowledged their meeting with Sasaki in mid-December, and recent reports have linked the Giants and Dodgers to similar discussions. Sasaki’s agent has indicated that interest in the pitcher spans more than 20 MLB teams, making him one of the most sought-after free agents in recent memory.

Sasaki, who gained international fame for his dominance with the Chiba Lotte Marines and his stellar performance in the World Baseball Classic, is a game-changing talent. Known for his triple-digit fastball and airbender-like movement on his secondaries, he has already been compared to former NPB stars turned MLB aces like Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish. Although Sasaki is officially eligible to sign beginning January 15, 2025, he has been proactively meeting with teams and considering their proposals. It is reasonable to anticipate that a deal will be reported well before the signing window opens, following the usual trend for high-profile free agents.

According to multiple reports, the Dodgers remain favorites to land Sasaki. Their history of success, strong player development system, and track record with international players make them an appealing destination. Sasaki is said to have paid close attention to MLB team performances, particularly the success of his World Baseball Classic teammates and other Japanese players thriving in the league. Speaking at the Winter Meetings earlier this month, Wolfe revealed that Sasaki is asking in-depth questions about pitching development, weather conditions, and overall comfort in potential landing spots.

Sasaki’s free agency is shaping into a defining storyline of the 2025 MLB offseason. The pitcher’s initial round of meetings will likely give way to a second, more selective phase in the new year. With teams like the Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, and Rangers firmly in the mix, the battle to sign Sasaki spotlights his value as a generational talent. Wolfe’s comments suggest Sasaki’s decision will be heavily influenced by each team’s ability to develop pitchers and provide a winning environment.

As the January 15 signing period approaches, all eyes will be on Roki Sasaki and his eventual decision. For now, the Dodgers’ confirmed involvement adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating pursuit. The anticipation surrounding Sasaki’s move to MLB is a testament to his extraordinary talent and the potential impact he could have on the league in future years.