Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and vice president of player personnel Galen Carr made the trip to see Sasaki in action firsthand. With the close of the MLB regular season, the timing couldn’t have been better for them to evaluate the pitcher they’d long been eyeing. For years, the Dodgers' front office had admired Sasaki from afar, their fascination fueled by the pitcher’s triple-digit fastball and remarkable skill on the mound. But up until now, it had remained unclear when—or if—Sasaki would make his way across the Pacific.
That answer finally arrived late on a recent Friday night: Sasaki’s team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, announced that they would be posting the 23-year-old pitching star for Major League Baseball teams to sign this winter. This means that Sasaki’s dream of playing in the U.S. could soon become a reality, and he’s free to join an MLB team as soon as this offseason.
In Japan, Chiba Lotte's general manager Naoki Matsumoto expressed his pride in Sasaki’s desire to take on this next chapter of his career. “From the time he joined the organization, we were told by him of his dream to play in America,” Matsumoto stated, supporting Sasaki’s aspirations to represent Japan on the world’s biggest baseball stage. This decision from Chiba Lotte not only fulfills Sasaki’s personal dream but also opens the door to a wave of excitement for MLB teams—and no team seems more interested than the Dodgers.
For the Dodgers, this announcement has made the offseason a lot more exciting. They’re not only eyeing a player with the potential to become a star but, thanks to MLB’s international signing rules, they could sign Sasaki at a fraction of the cost they’d pay for other top free-agent pitchers. Due to his age, under 25, Sasaki will be limited to a minor-league contract with a modest signing bonus, similar to what Shohei Ohtani agreed to when he joined the Angels in 2018 for just $2.3 million. Given that Sasaki’s contract won’t carry the weight of a traditional free-agent signing, this could be a significant advantage for a team like the Dodgers that is looking to build a strong, cost-controlled roster.
However, had Sasaki waited just two more years, he would have been eligible to sign as a regular free agent, likely commanding a record-breaking deal. Case in point: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, another Japanese star, recently signed a jaw-dropping $325 million contract with the Dodgers after joining MLB from Japan. Sasaki could have matched or even exceeded that figure had he waited, but his determination to enter MLB now shows he’s ready for the challenge—and willing to take a different path to get there.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, Sasaki’s readiness to come to the U.S. at this stage makes him a dream acquisition. His youth, skill set, and the fact that he would be under club control for six seasons make him an ideal candidate to strengthen their pitching staff. The Dodgers’ rotation has been plagued by injuries over the last few seasons, making Sasaki’s arrival potentially transformative.
The Dodgers have actually been scouting Sasaki for quite some time. Last winter, the team’s leadership was hopeful that Sasaki would become available, but after lengthy negotiations with his Japanese team, he ultimately stayed with the Chiba Lotte Marines for another season. That decision turned out to be beneficial for Sasaki, who posted one of his best seasons yet. This year, he earned a career-high 10 wins and an impressive 2.35 ERA, with standout performances like his 10-strikeout complete game witnessed by Friedman himself. Following the game, Friedman kept his comments brief, saying simply, “Pitched well.” But insiders say that Sasaki left a big impression.
Now, with Sasaki set to be posted, the only remaining question is how soon he’ll be classified within MLB’s signing framework. His maximum signing bonus will depend on whether he falls into the 2024 or 2025 international signing class, but regardless, it’s expected to be modest. If the Dodgers manage to secure Sasaki, he would join a roster already featuring two Japanese superstars, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, proving that Los Angeles is a prime destination for Japan’s biggest talents.
It’s not just the Dodgers' brass who are buzzing with excitement over Sasaki’s potential. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes weighed in on the importance of building a strong pitching lineup. “Obviously, we can never have enough pitching, as we’ve learned,” Gomes noted. Despite their success, the Dodgers have faced countless injuries among their pitching staff, which emphasizes the need for a durable, reliable arm. Although Gomes declined to comment directly on Sasaki, he emphasized that pitching remains a priority for the team, especially as they aim to defend their title and pursue another World Series in 2025.
Sasaki, for his part, has shared his heartfelt appreciation for the Chiba Lotte organization, stating, “From the time I joined the organization until now, I only have gratitude for how they have continuously lent me their ear regarding my future challenge in MLB and now given me permission to be posted.” Reflecting on his career so far, he acknowledged the ups and downs, grateful for the support he’s received from teammates, staff, and fans alike. Sasaki is determined to make the most of this opportunity, saying he hopes to rise “from a minor league contract to become the No. 1 player in the world.”
There’s no doubt that Sasaki’s journey to MLB will draw major interest from teams across the league. Like with Ohtani before him, Sasaki’s low cost and extraordinary skill set are bound to make him one of the most sought-after prospects. Yet, the Dodgers have an edge. With their history of signing top Japanese talent, their championship-caliber team, and their longstanding interest in Sasaki, they’re positioned as front-runners in the race to land the next big star from Japan.
Imagine a Dodgers rotation with Sasaki’s blazing fastball and his steady presence on the mound. It would give the team a significant edge, and with the 2025 season around the corner, it could cement their status as World Series favorites. If Sasaki’s goal is truly to become the best in the world, he’ll be surrounded by top talent and a winning atmosphere in Los Angeles, making it the perfect stage to showcase his skills. This winter, all eyes will be on Sasaki—and the Dodgers—as they look to make yet another high-profile addition to their powerhouse roster.
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