• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025

Dodgers Land Japanese Phenom Roki Sasaki for Bargain-Basement Price

The Dodgers were always the favorite to win the 23-year-old phenom. After an extensive process involving most MLB clubs, that expected outcome became reality—for a relative steal.

Miami, Florida, USA; Japan starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) delivers a pitch during the first inning against Mexico at LoanDepot Park
Sam Navarro/Imagn Images

The already-mighty Dodgers are becoming even stronger—again.

The defending World Series champions are signing star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, bringing to a conclusion a high-profile pursuit that initially involved 20 of MLB’s 30 clubs. The addition—coming at a massive discount relative to his talent with his signing bonus no more than $8.23 million—further burnishes an already loaded roster that includes fellow countrymen Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. 

The 23-year-old Sasaki announced on Instagram Friday the deal with the Dodgers, selecting the club over several other serious suitors that included the Blue Jays and Padres.

“It was a very difficult decision, but I will do my best so that when I look back on it after my baseball career ends, I will think it was the right decision,” Sasaki said.

Because Sasaki elected to leave Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball now, and not after he turned 25, he was classified as an international amateur free agent. His final bonus will depend somewhat on the Dodgers’ final moves in the coming days with their international signing bonus pool. The final figure, however, will remain perhaps less than a quarter of what someone of his ability could garner had he been an unrestricted free agent. 

Sasaki’s former NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, will receive a release fee of 25% of the pitcher’s signing bonus. Upon joining the Dodgers, Sasaki will be under club control through 2030, and could play at first for as little as the league minimum until earning raises through the arbitration process.

The deal also arrived two days after the opening of MLB’s 2025 signing period of international amateur free agents. The chase for Sasaki, however, preceded that formal start, with many teams sending an extensive range of recruitment materials to his agent, Joel Wolfe, in recent weeks in the hopes of attracting the phenom. But Los Angeles had been seen as a strong favorite throughout the process. 

The Dodgers’ offseason also has included a record-setting $103 million luxury tax bill, as well as five-year, $182 million deal with pitcher Blake Snell

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium.

Penn State Has a $50 Million James Franklin Problem

Franklin’s team lost to unranked UCLA on Saturday despite being heavy favorites.
Napheesa Collier

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”

Fox Analyst Mark Sanchez Arrested After Violent Incident in Indy

Sanchez was “arrested for” three misdemeanors, but has not been charged.

Featured Today

Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers. 
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome.
September 29, 2025

Kawhi Leonard: ‘Not Accurate’ That I Had a No-Show Job With Aspiration

Leonard called the allegations of a no-show job “clickbait.”
Ace Bailey
September 24, 2025

Ace Bailey Drops Controversial Manager Omar Cooper

Bailey fell to the No. 5 pick after being projected to go higher.