The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off of a historic World Series, so it’s a bit odd to already be thinking about next season, but world-class organizations are always thinking about the next championship.
It was reported earlier today that the Dodgers gave Teoscar Hernandez a qualifying offer, meaning they did not extend one to pitcher Walker Buehler signifying this season may have been his last with LA.
The Dodgers never shy away from going after the big arm or the big name available, and according to Ken Rosenthal, this certainly will not change this offseason
“The suspicion among many in the industry, almost everyone in the industry, that if this guy is posted, Roki Sasaki becomes available, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be heavy, heavy favorites to sign him,” Rosenthal said Monday on Foul Territory. “And can you imagine what that team would mean in Japan, then. It already has Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto to get Sasaki as well, well it would be even more so Japan’s team.”
Los Angeles Dodgers Favorites To Land Roki Sasaki
So who is Roki Sasaki?
- Roki Sasaki 2024 Stats: 2.35 ERA, 128 Strikeouts, 32 Walks
The 23-year-old right-handed Japanese pitcher made his professional debut in the Nippon Professional Baseball League in 2021.
He pitched for the Chiba Lotte Marines for four seasons. This season he garnered a 2.35 ERA with 128 strikeouts and 32 walks in 18 games pitched.
Also Read: MLB Insider Names SP The Los Angeles Dodgers Might Sign In MLB Free Agency
He reportedly declined an offer from the Chiba Lotte Marines, and there are plenty of rumors that he wants to move to the MLB.
The Dodgers shelled out a ton of money for both Shohei Ohtani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but it clearly played dividends. Not just in a World Series title, but also in revenue and immense intrigue from an entire Nation.
Could Sasaki be the next ace to join this star-studded cast in Los Angeles?