By: Gaia Adachi
Japanese baseball players have a rich history in Major League Baseball (MLB). Stars like Hideo Nomo and Ichiro Suzuki paved the way, proving that Japanese players can excel at the highest level. More recently, Shohei Ohtani has become a global sensation, earning three MVP titles and recognition as one of the best players in the world.
Now, there is a rising star who might follow in Ohtani’s footsteps: Roki Sasaki. Known for his incredible pitching speed and precision, Sasaki has already captured the attention of MLB scouts.
In Japan, Sasaki is celebrated for his fastballs, clocking a 101.2 mph pitch while still in high school. In the 2023 season, his four-seam fastball averaged an impressive 100.3 mph. His strikeout rate (K%) is also exceptional, as shown in the data below:
| Player | Batters Faced | K%+ | K%+(20%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roki Sasaki (Undecided) | 1,093 | 173 | 34.6 |
| Shohei Ohtani (LAD) | 2,187 | 156 | 31.2 |
| Kodai Senga (NYM) | 4,436 | 148 | 29.6 |
| Yu Darvish (SDP) | 4,982 | 142 | 28.4 |
| Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) | 3,488 | 135 | 27.0 |
K%+: A league-average score is 100; K%+(20%): A league-average score is 20.
Sasaki’s strikeout rate of 34.6% means he strikes out one in every three batters. As Sasaki plans his MLB debut, three teams are rumored to be in the running: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays. Let’s take a closer look at what each team offers.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers boast a strong 2025 rotation, including stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Blake Snell. However, some concerns arise with Tyler Glasnow’s injury history and Ohtani’s recovery from surgery.
The Dodgers are known for their support of Japanese players and were crowned the 2024 World Series champions. While their rotation is crowded, their winning culture and existing Japanese stars may make this an appealing destination for Sasaki.
2. San Diego Padres
The Padres’ rotation is in need of reinforcement, with inconsistent performances in the 2024 season. Yu Darvish, a fellow Japanese pitcher, is a mentor to younger players and could play a crucial role in Sasaki’s development.
Sasaki would likely find ample opportunities to pitch and grow with the Padres. Additionally, their roster could greatly benefit from a high-impact player like him.
3. Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have a solid rotation, with players like Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios leading the charge. However, there are concerns with Yariel Rodríguez’s performance and Alek Manoah’s return from Tommy John surgery.
Unlike the Dodgers and Padres, the Blue Jays currently have no Japanese players on their roster. While Sasaki could find a spot in their rotation, the lack of a cultural connection might influence his decision.
Prediction
Based on the current data and team needs, the San Diego Padres appear to be the best fit for Roki Sasaki. With a welcoming environment and mentorship from Yu Darvish, Sasaki has the potential to develop into a dominant MLB pitcher.
References
- Yahoo Sports Japan: Data Shows the Greatness of Roki Sasaki
- ESPN: Dodgers, Padres, Blue Jays Finalists for Sasaki
- MLB.com: Depth Charts for 2025
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