Another Japanese-born player may be looking to launch a career in the major leagues. After four seasons with the Chiba Loot Marines in the Nippon Professional Baseball League, several MLB teams have their eyes on right-handed pitcher Rocky Sasaki.
The 23-year-old has reportedly turned down an offer from the Marines, suggesting he is considering entering the MLB next season. He will join a handful of notable Japanese-born players who have made an impact in the league, including Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who are 2024 World Series champions. Also reported to be 12-season NPB veteran pitcher, Tomoyuki Sugano He will join the MLB team in 2025.
The Padres are among several teams interested in acquiring Sasaki. However, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic believes San Diego’s contenders may win the battle for the rookie free agent.
“The suspicion among many in the industry, almost everyone in the industry, is that if this guy, Ruki Sasaki, becomes available, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be a strong candidate to sign him,” Rosenthal said at Foul Territory. “And can you imagine what this team will mean in Japan then. They already have Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to get Sasaki as well, and it will be even more important for the Japanese national team.
The success Yamamoto and Ohtani had in their first season with the Dodgers may influence Sasaki’s decision to join Los Angeles. As a rookie, Yamamoto impressed in his first postseason appearance and contributed greatly to the Dodgers clinching the eighth World Series title in franchise history. Ohtani, who played for the Angels for the previous six seasons, had arguably one of the best seasons in MLB history. He is expected to become the first exclusive batsman to win the MVP award.
Both Ohtani and Yamamoto are signed to long-term contracts, meaning the Dodgers will keep the pair on their roster for the next decade. Ohtani and Yamamoto contributed to the growth of the Dodgers fan base in Japan. Adding Sasaki to the mix will only increase Japan’s love for Los Angeles.
The Padres’ roster consists of Japanese-born left-hander Yuki Matsui, who appeared in 64 games in his rookie season. Although he didn’t have a strong season, Matsui understands the difficulty of making the transition to MLB. No matter where Sasaki ends up, having support from teammates with similar experiences will be invaluable.
