The defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are about to get a big upgrade in their pitching rotation. Coveted Japanese pitcher Riki Sasaki announced Friday that he will pitch for the Dodgers.
The 23-year-old revealed on Instagram that he is signing a minor league contract with the organization. Saski's Japanese team, the Chiba Rakuten Marines, will receive compensation from Major League Baseball.
Saski is the latest Japanese-born superstar to hit Los Angeles last year. Last winter, superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto joined the team. Ohtani was limited to designated hitter in 2024 but won his third career MVP trophy.
He is scheduled to return to the mound in 2025.
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Japan's Roki Sasaki pitches during a Group B game against the Czech Republic during the World Baseball Classic at Tokyo Dome in Japan on March 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously said signing Sasaki is considered a "top priority." Sasaki met with the Dodgers earlier this week.
The combination of youth and elite talent makes Saski a coveted prospect.
Who is Riki Sasaki? What you need to know about Japanese pitchers' sensation in MLB
However, the Dodgers have long been considered the favorites to field pitchers with fastballs that often reach 100 mph. He can also throw an impressive split shot, which bolsters his potential to be an ace in the rotation.
Japan's Roki Sasaki reacts after a third-inning out against Mexico during the World Baseball Classic semifinals at Loans Warehouse Park on March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Eric Espada/Getty Images)
In December, during baseball's winter meetings, a long list of MLB clubs submitted information about their respective organizations to Saskey and his agent.
Chiba Rakuten Marines' Roki Sasaki pitches during a game against the Orix Buffaloes in Chiba, near Tokyo, on April 10, 2022. (Kyodo News, AP, File)
While several of the teams were offered the chance to meet in person, only three organizations were shortlisted. By January, the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres and Dodgers were the last teams considered.
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The Dodgers' projected pitching rotation already includes Tyler Glasnow, Yamamoto, Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell also signed with Los Angeles earlier this offseason.
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