When Roki Sasaki announced his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, many felt it was a pre-determined outcome and a sham process.
That fire was further fueled by the speculation among some within the industry that the Dodgers and Sasaki have had a handshake agreement for some time.
Joel Wolfe, Sasaki’s agent, vehemently denied those claims and an MLB investigation found no wrongdoing.
Sasaki also said during his press conference that it was a difficult decision after a thorough process listening to every team’s pitch, but he made it solely based on where he can most improve.
However, the Dodgers have long been the favorites to sign Sasaki and have held interest in him for the past six years.
Their status as the likely outcome was driven by their player development system, success on the field, front office and ownership group, and having Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto plus their history of success with Japanese players was also a benefit.
Wolfe also noticed another benefit the Dodgers have that other teams can’t offer: their current status as the most popular team in Japan.
“I don’t believe it was always the destination. I think that the Dodgers do have a home-field advantage in Japan,” Wolfe said. “I was in Japan many times over the last couple years, but especially this year.
“Every single Dodgers game is broadcast live. So when you wake up every morning in Japan, every game is on TV because of (Shohei) Ohtani and (Yoshinobu) Yamamoto. And they rebroadcast the games in the evening.
“When you go to a Japanese NPB game — for instance we went to watch a game in Fukuoka — and the Hawks have their home stadium shop that sells all the Fukuoka Hawks gear. Then there’s a pop-up shop for every visiting team that comes, and then there’s a Dodger shop. I saw that at the Tokyo Dome, I saw that at the Orix stadium. They’re everywhere.
“I think that all the players and fans see the Dodgers every day, so it’s always in their mind because of Ohtani and Yamamoto.”
Ultimately, the process played out as expected because the Dodgers had long positioned themselves as the top choice for Sasaki, which is why they were considered the favorite.
He could have chosen any team, but they would not have offered the same resources, knowledge and plan that Sasaki felt was his best option.
Roki Sasaki among Dodgers non-roster invitees for Spring Training
The Dodgers announced their group of non-roster invitees to 2025 Spring Training, which consists of 24 players, including Sasaki.
Because Sasaki was an international amateur signed to a Minor League contract upon being posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines, he is not yet on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
However, he is expected to be added to the roster before the season begins.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
