Again, the Los Angeles Dodgers managed to get another marquee of the off-season—Roki Sasaki. Are you surprised? You’re not alone. Roki Sasaki’s agent long told this offseason that a low-key team is where the flamethrower would like to be. The San Diego Padres and the Toronto Blue Jays were in heavy pursuit. And let’s not forget Sasaki’s admiration for Yu Darvish. He has even called him a godfather. So many figured he might end up in San Diego. But Sasaki ultimately chose the Dodgers.
However Sasaki had someone influencing him, and that’s – Shohei Ohtani. He wasn’t just putting in the effort to get Sasaki; he was legit calling the shots. So, on Friday morning, Joel Wolfe had everything planned. Once Sasaki shared his decision on Instagram, he would notify all the teams involved. First to those who missed and then a celebratory call to the winner of the sweepstakes.
But even before Joel Wolfe could act on this plan, the LA Dodgers had already got the inside scoop. The delivery person of the news—Shohei Ohtani.
Just minutes before Saski’s post went online, he sent a game-changing text to the Dodgers front office: “We got him.” Those three words must have led to a “phew” for the team, who essentially fulfilled one of their biggest pursuits this season.
As for Ohtani’s involvement, he was essentially driving the bus, according to an article by the Athletic. “Shohei Ohtani was “driving the bus” in the Dodgers’ pursuit of Roki Sasaki, according to The Athletic.” – @Noah Camras. So it’s no surprise that he had the inside scoop because he and Sasaki go way back.
Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki shared the field during Japan’s 2023 title run in the World Baseball Classic. And yes, of course, from their Japanese American fanbase to the team’s culture of nurturing young talent, the Dodgers had much to offer to Sasaki. But Shohei’s presence and his influence surely did tip the scales towards them.
LA Dodgers even went above and beyond to sway Sasaki. They held their pitch not at Dodger Stadium but at co-owner Pete Guber’s Bel Air home. And there Roki Sasaki was treated to a stellar sushi dinner prepared by a private chef, and even a personalized video message played. The evening was tailored made for the Japanese pitching icon. And well, it worked. When the time came for Sasaki to make his division, the Dodgers not only had the best pitch but also the perfect closer in Shohei Ohtani.
Dodgers stars celebrate Roki Sasaki’s arrival
The Los Angeles Dodgers are more than excited to welcome Roki Sasaki. They already had a stacked roster, and now they are on another level. Sasaki was signed with a minor league contract since he is just 23. However, he got a hefty $8.2 million signing bonus. Shohei Ohtani, who, as you saw, played a big part in swaying Sasaki, couldn’t help but welcome the young pitcher. His gestures are winning hearts!
Ohtani shared a post on Instagram featuring a Dodgers hat on a folded seat inside Dodger Stadium. The very image that Roki Sasaki used to break the news to everyone. The second was an MLB graphic image that celebrates Sasaki’s move to Los Angeles. Now along with Sasaki, the rotation has Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and their newest member—Blake Snell.
And speaking of Snell, even he couldn’t help but share his enthusiasm, too. He shared on his Instagram story, “Let’s go!” Snell has inked a five-year, $182 million deal with the LA Dodgers this offseason. Well, with the pitching part so stacked, the Dodgers aren’t just looking for a championship win but building almost like a dynasty of star players. But the big question now is who gets the opening day start? Dave Roberts isn’t playing with Ohtani rushing back early.
So could Sasaki take the mound for the season opener in his home country? It’s up on March 18 in Tokyo, Japan. Or will it be Blake Snell, a strong candidate? Let us know your thoughts.
