The Los Angeles Dodgers have embarked on an unprecedented period of success, beginning with the record-setting signings of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason. This remarkable period culminated in a World Series victory and continued with the subsequent acquisitions of prominent players like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki to continue their championship ways.
Sasaki’s decision to sign with Los Angeles, amidst competition from the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, was anticipated by many. This decision followed an MLB investigation to ensure the absence of any unauthorized agreements between the two parties.
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According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Yoshinobu Yamamoto played a significant role in Sasaki’s decision-making process, emphasizing the Dodgers’ unique ability to facilitate his successful transition from Nippon Professional Baseball.
Yamamoto Seals The Deal Between Los Angeles Dodgers And Roki Sasaki
“I was told in the last 24 hours that a really key conversation in the midst of the courtship of Sasaki came between Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Sasaki,” Morosi said. “What I was told is the ability for Yamamoto to articulate the way in which the Dodgers helped him feel so comfortable in Year 1, was instrumental in Sasaki choosing the LA.”
It was also reported that Ohtani and Sasaki met earlier in the process.
Sasaki reportedly received a substantial signing bonus of $6.5 million. To accommodate this significant expenditure, the Dodgers were required to execute separate trades to acquire additional bonus pool money.
Entering the 2025 international signing period, the LA possessed a bonus pool of $5,146,200, a figure that tied them with the San Francisco Giants for the lowest total among all Major League Baseball teams.
It has also been reported that Sasaki decided to opt for the Dodgers despite getting larger offers.
According to The Athletic, “The Padres told Sasaki’s group that they were prepared to trade to max out their bonus pool, according to a league source, and offer the Japanese pitcher the entire sum [of their bonus pool], a little more than $10 million.”