Dodgers Roki Sasaki: This offseason, one of the most exciting prospects for Major League Baseball (MLB) fans is Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. Known for his powerful fastball and impressive strikeout record in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Sasaki, at just 23, has already established himself as one of Japan’s top pitchers. If he joins the MLB, he’s expected to be highly sought after, with the Los Angeles Dodgers emerging as the “heavy favorites” to sign him.

Sasaki recently turned down a contract extension from his NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, signaling his interest in potentially moving to MLB. Although there’s no official announcement about his posting yet, several teams, including the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets, are reportedly interested in the young pitcher. However, insider reports suggest the Dodgers are particularly well-positioned to secure his signing.

One of the reasons the Dodgers are leading the race for Sasaki is their successful history with Japanese players, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers have a strong fanbase in Japan, with viewership peaking during the 2024 World Series. Signing Sasaki would not only boost their roster but also increase their popularity in Japan.

Endorsement deals could also play a significant role in Sasaki’s potential earnings. Former Miami Marlins president David Samson recently shared that Sasaki could earn around $60 million in endorsements, similar to Shohei Ohtani, regardless of which team he signs with. Samson pointed out that big-name Japanese players like Ichiro Suzuki and Daisuke Matsuzaka also attracted lucrative deals with American teams outside of Los Angeles. So, while the Dodgers are favorites, Sasaki could succeed financially with other teams as well.

If Sasaki joins MLB, he would enter a market full of star pitchers seeking new contracts, including Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried. The Dodgers would still have to pay a hefty posting fee to the Marines, and due to Sasaki’s age, there would be restrictions on his signing bonus. But if the Dodgers secure him, they would strengthen their already impressive lineup, making them an even more formidable team in the league.

With the Dodgers seen as the frontrunners, Sasaki’s decision to join MLB could lead to one of the most exciting free-agent signings in years. Fans across the league eagerly await any updates, hoping to see this rising star take the mound in the U.S.