Reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers The pitching rotation is about to get a major lift. Famed Japanese pitcher Rocky Sasaki announced Friday that he will pitch for the Dodgers.
The 23-year-old took to Instagram to reveal that he has signed a minor league contract with the organization. Sasuke's Japanese team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, will receive compensation from MLB privilege.
Sasuke is the latest Japanese-born star to arrive in Los Angeles in the past year. Last winter, stars Shohei Otani Yoshinobu Yamamoto joined the team. Ohtani was exclusively a designated hitter in 2024 but won his third career MVP trophy.
He plans to return to the Hill in 2025.
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Rocky Sasaki of Japan plays during a Group B game against the Czech Republic in the World Baseball Classic at Tokyo Dome, Japan, March 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously said signing Sasaki was a “major priority.” Sasaki He met with the Dodgers Earlier this week.
The combination of youth and elite talent made Sasuke a sought-after player.
However, the Dodgers have long been considered the favorite in the race to land a pitcher whose fastball velocity routinely tops 100 mph. He can also throw an impressive splitter, enhancing his ability to be an ace in the pitching rotation.
Team Japan's Rocky Sasaki reacts after being knocked out in the third inning against Team Mexico during the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic at Loan Depot Park on March 20, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (Eric Espada/Getty Images)
A long list of MLB clubs provided information about their organizations to Saski and his agent in December during baseball's winter meetings.
Ruki Sasaki of the Chiba Lotte Marines plays during a match against the Orix Buffaloes in Chiba, near Tokyo, April 10, 2022. (Kyodo News via AP, File)
While many of these teams were awarded in-person meetings, only three organizations made the shortlist. By January, Toronto Blue JaysThe San Diego Padres and Dodgers were the final two teams under consideration.
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The Dodgers' projected pitching rotation has already featured Tyler Glasnow, Yamamoto, Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw. Blake Snella two-time Cy Young Award winner, also signed with Los Angeles earlier this season.
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