MLB analyst points out why LA Dodgers would be perfect place for Roki Sasaki

An MLB analyst has explained why the Los Angeles Dodgers would be a good place for Japanese youngster Roki Sasaki.

MLB analyst points out why LA Dodgers would be perfect place for Roki Sasaki

Roki Sasaki (Image via Over The Monster)

The race for Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is heating up in the offseason. The 23-year-old ace is one of the top stars on the market and has attracted interest from several teams. One of them is the Los Angeles Dodgers. An MLB analyst has pointed out why the Dodgers would be a perfect place for him.

Sasaki had an amazing year with the Chiba Lotte Marines in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in 2024. He went 10-5 in his 18 starts and picked up 128 strikeouts while pitching with an ERA of 2.35. Following the end of the season, he expressed his desire to move to the MLB.

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Since then there have been several speculations regarding his next move. The Dodgers have emerged as one of the favorites to land him this offseason. MLB analyst Xavier Scruggs has explained why the 2024 World Series champions will be a great place for Sasaki.

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Speaking on the MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM, Scruggs pointed out the success of the LA-based franchise and the stars they have in their team. He also added how having Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sasaki’s international teammates, could play a factor in his move.

I have them at number one. He’s seen the success of the Dodgers, and what they’ve been able to do over in Asia. Obviously, the Dodgers brand is massive. Now you add Shohei Ohtani to that. It’s going to be hard to turn away from that.

Xavier Scruggs said on MLB Network Radio

Scruggs also mentioned how the Dodgers’ pitching development system could further improve Sasaki’s game in the future.

He’s not coming over looking like an automatic number one. He has the ability to get to that because of the stuff that he has. But the development will be important in the Dodgers development system and their pitching lab and all that stuff is top tier.

Xavier Scruggs added

As per reports, the Dodgers have already met with Sasaki and his agent Joel Wolfe. Along with them, the San Diego Padres are also viewed as one of the top destinations for the youngster in the 2025 season.

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Roki Sasaki

Joel Wolfe claims 20 teams reached out to Roki Sasaki

After an impressive season in Japan, Roki Sasaki desired a move to the MLB. This made him one of the most sought-after names in this offseason. As per his agent Joel Wolfe, a total of 20 teams reached out to him in the offseason.

Roki Sasaki
Roki Sasaki (Image via NY Times)

According to Bob Nightengale, Wolfe said these teams presented films, clips, and books while trying to recruit him.

Wolfe also spoke on why Sasaki wants to move to the MLB right now rather than waiting two more years and earning a $200 million or more contract. Due to his age of 23, teams can only use their international signing pool money to sign him.

As per Wolfe, Sasaki “wants to be great” and not become rich. Thus he optioned to move right now than wait till he turns 25 and earn a massive contract.

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Roki Sasaki

The big question remains the same – who will eventually win the race for Sasaki? With 2025 on the horizon, the answer to that question could come out in the upcoming days.