Roki Sasaki signs with Dodgers amid MLB competition

The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially welcomed Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who signed a minor league contract with a $6.5 million signing bonus. At just 23 years old, Sasaki is regarded as one of the most promising pitchers in the world, boasting a fastball that exceeds 100 mph and a 2.10 ERA in his four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan. Despite interest from over 20 MLB teams, Sasaki chose the Dodgers for their strong roster, front-office stability, and the opportunity for personal growth as a player. While the presence of fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto was noted, Sasaki emphasized that his decision was independent of their influence. He expressed excitement about joining a winning franchise and looks forward to contributing to the Dodgers' title defense. The Dodgers aim to leverage his exceptional talent, positioning him to become a key player in their rotation.