The Los Angeles Dodgers have begun the 2025 MLB season with a strong 3-0 start, showcasing their dominance both in the Tokyo Series against the Cubs and in their Opening Day performance against Tarik Skubal. Following a World Series victory and an impactful offseason, the Dodgers are widely considered favorites to repeat as champions. Adding to the anticipation, a recent ESPN survey of anonymous baseball insiders has identified Dodgers rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki as a potential breakout superstar.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki Gets Superstar Nod
“That splitter [of Sasaki’s] is going to confuse a lot of hitters,” an AL scout predicted to Jesse Rogers. A National League executive echoed this sentiment, stating, “There are no sure thing breakout candidates in our game, but at least until they see him a few times, I’d give the nod to Sasaki.”
Sasaki garnered five of the twelve votes in the survey, surpassing other highly touted prospects. His decision to join the Dodgers during the offseason further solidified the team’s position as a powerhouse. Jackson Chourio (2), Jackson Merrill (2), Wyatt Langford (1), Matt Wallner (1), and Jackson Holliday (1) all received votes.
Sasaki’s MLB debut, though brief, occurred in Game 2 of the Tokyo Series, where he pitched three innings in a 6-3 victory. However, his five walks in that outing highlighted the adjustment period he might face.
Los Angeles’s pitching rotation is already formidable, featuring the likes of Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Shohei Ohtani. Sasaki’s addition only strengthens this lineup. While the Dodgers’ regular season success isn’t solely dependent on his performance, the high expectations surrounding him, especially on a team of this caliber, place him under intense scrutiny.
The ESPN survey underscores the abundance of young talent in Major League Baseball. While other promising players were considered, Sasaki emerged as the clear frontrunner, amplifying the excitement surrounding his rookie season. The question now is whether he can meet these lofty expectations in a highly competitive National League.