The Los Angeles Dodgers have a busy offseason ahead of them with several key contributors from their 2024 World Series roster becoming free agents, and the opportunity to add impact talent in the form Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki once he’s posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines.
MLB’s current free agency class already is filled to the brim with high-end talent, particularly on the pitching side of things. There are proven starters to be had, such as Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell and Max Fried.
But there’s a popular belief the option that should entice the Dodgers — and all other teams — the most is Sasaki.
After signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the largest pitching contract in MLB history last offseason, the Dodgers are considered to be the favorites for Sasaki.
Despite that widely held perception, there might be a big hurdle for the Dodgers to get over in their pursuit of Sasaki, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN:
There are some complicating factors for the Dodgers this time, though: Some scouts think Sasaki would prefer a smaller market, and his velocity was down this year, leading some to believe he’s nursing an injury.
Sasaki potentially having concerns over a big market would be a significant hindrance for the Dodgers. But that would also eliminate teams in New York, and although San Diego is a smaller market, there still would be pressure in joining the Padres.
What might work in the Dodgers’ favor is being able to offer some familiarity and comfort to Sasaki due to having his World Baseball Classic teammates on their roster.
At just 23- years old, Sasaki far and away is going to be the youngest starting pitcher available on the market, giving him a much higher ceiling and making him a more attractive option for the Dodgers. Over his four seasons in the NPB, Sasaki had a career 2.10 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 505 strikeouts over 394.2 innings pitched.
When will Roki Sasaki be posted?
One advantage the Dodgers could have in the Sasaki sweepstakes is they currently have the most international bonus pool money of any team at about $2.5 million.
However, there is some belief the Marines will not post Sasaki until the 2025 international signing period begins in January, which would result in the Dodgers being back at the bottom in terms of bonus pool money available.
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