BREAKING: MLB Insider Says It Will Be ‘Surprise’ if Roki Sasaki Doesn’t Sign With Dodgers

The next Japanese-born superstar is on his way to the Major Leagues. Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki is going to be posted this offseason and will draw interest from all 30 teams.

MLB Insider Says It Will Be 'Surprise' if Roki Sasaki Doesn't Sign With Dodgers | Dodgers Nation

The Dodgers will have two Japanese-born players on their roster for nearly a decade. Starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani each played their first seasons with Los Angeles this year. Ohtani and Yamamoto have grown the Dodgers’ popularity in Japan, which is one of the reasons Los Angeles looks like a perfect fit for Sasaki.

“If I were a star Japanese player, I’d want to be a Dodger, too,” one MLB insider told the New York Post.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post added: “It will be a surprise if Sasaki isn’t a Dodger.”

Having two Japanese-born players already on the roster offers an array of advantages for Sasaki.

The Dodgers organization has experience developing international players — especially in their rookie season, in Yamamoto’s case. Additionally, Sasaki could benefit from the mentorship of Ohtani and Yamamoto.

The trio were teammates on Team Japan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

However, Ohtani said he will not try to recruit Sasaki.

Despite the advantages of joining the Dodgers, it is not a guarantee that Sasaki will sign with the reigning World Series champions.

There has been speculation that Ohtani and Yamamoto’s presence may limit Sasaki’s endorsement opportunities.

Also, Los Angeles has limited funds in their international bonus pool, which weakens their chances of landing Sasaki.

The 23-year-old has garnered attention from a number of MLB teams, including the San Diego Padres. It will be a battle this offseason to acquire the four-season Nippon Professional Baseball League veteran.

Sasaki is expected to be part of the next international signing class and will not sign with a team until after Jan. 15.

Related Posts

New Giants reliever shares emotional reaction to unexpected trade from Mets

A Mets pitcher learns mid-game he’s been traded to the Giants, reacting emotionally as cameras capture the moment.

Mets could be ‘most aggressive’ team for trades. Here’s their plan

The 2025 trade deadline is Thursday, July 31.

Francisco Lindor Has High Praise for Mets’ Newly Acquired Bullpen Arm

Tyler Rogers is ready to bring his unique delivery to the Big Apple.

Grading the NY Mets trade with the Cardinals for Ryan Helsley

According to Jon Heyman of the NY Post, the New York Mets have acquired right-handed reliever Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals. Heading to St. Louis ar

Yankees’ Anthony Volpe gets mercilessly clowned after 16th error of 2025 season

Anthony Volpe draws the ire of Yankees fans yet again after committing yet another error — his 16th of the 2025 season.

This Yankees-Dylan Cease trade package could close the deal based on Padres intel

The New York Yankees have exactly what the San Diego Padres are looking for in exchange for Dylan Cease or Robert Suárez at the MLB trade deadline.