The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes ended Friday with an Instagram post to announce his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which has not yet been made official.
Sasaki chose the Dodgers over the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres. The teams emerged as the three finalists after the Japanese phenom met with several clubs in December.
Interestingly, the Padres reportedly were eliminated from consideration hours before Sasaki’s decision was made public.
Soon after news of Sasaki signing with the Dodgers was revealed, part-owner Magic Johnson welcomed him to the organization.
Welcome to Los Angeles and the World Champion Los Angeles @Dodgers Roki Sasaki! It’s a great day to be a Dodger fan! 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/UtExlQEmP0
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 18, 2025
Johnson’s welcome message included two photos of the Hall of Fame point guard presenting Sasaki with an autographed Lakers jersey. On the back of jersey were multiple messages, including “To Roki” and “5x NBA CHAMP” along with Johnson’s autograph.
Johnson annually presents Dodgers players with autographed jerseys at some point during the regular season. It typically occurs when the Dodgers return from a road trip, and players will find the gifts on the chair of their respective lockers.
Thus far, Johnson is only member of the Dodgers organization to publicly comment on Sasaki’s impending signing. The ownership group and front office historically will wait to do so until a signing or trade is officially finalized.
Sasaki is expected to formally sign his Dodgers contract next week. He reportedly is receiving a $6.5 million signing bonus, which is the largest during an international signing period since 2017.
Magic Johnson: L.A. needed Dodgers World Series win
Johnson was among a large Dodgers contingent that was on hand in New York to watch the team win their eighth World Series title in franchise history, and it was one he believed was essential to the city.
“They’re the most important franchise right now, because we needed a championship. The Dodgers needed to make this happen for the city of Los Angeles, bring us back to that championship feeling,” Johnson said from Yankee Stadium.
“Also to show our fanbase that we will do what it takes to win, signing Shohei. Now we get a parade, and that’s what I’m really happy for. The city deserves it. Last time, we didn’t get one. Now kids who didn’t see my era and all the other Dodger championships, they get to see this one and come to a parade.”
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