MLB fans disappointed as Dodgers considered favorites to land Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki (Photo Source: Getty)

It may not be the news that most MLB fans will want to hear, however, Roki Sasaki could reportedly be the next Los Angeles Dodgers star. The 23-year-old Japanese pitcher has not yet been officially posted by his Japanese club, the Chiba Lotte Marines; however, he is expected to be available for teams to try and sign this offseason.

According to ESPN‘s Kiley McDaniel, if and when Sasaki is posted for MLB clubs to sign, it’s believed that the Dodgers are “heavily favored” to be his landing spot. Given the fact that both Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are already established Japanese stars for the club, as well as Ohtani’s deferred contract, they have the financial ability to get another massive deal done.

The news has not gone over well with fans across the MLB. The Dodgers are not only the reigning World Series champions, but many of the team’s key pieces are under contract for the foreseeable future. Adding Sasaki to that group is not something that rival fans want to see.

One fan tweeted:

“Ban dodgers from getting Japanese players. It’s a monopoly.”

“Recruiter Shohei and Dodger $ will get that done” – One fan posted.

“I’m gonna be sick” – Another fan added.

“League minimum plus 250M deferred over 10 years after 2028” – One more fan added.

Roki Sasaki is one of the most intriguing pitchers outside of the MLB thanks to his fastball, which has reached 102.5 MPH, as well as his ability to pitch deep into games.

In 2022, Sasaki pitched a perfect game in the NPB, something that had not been done since 1994. This type of potential is not something fans are hoping will end up in Los Angeles Dodgers blue.

“Ban dodgers from getting Japanese players. It’s a monopoly” – One fan posted on social media.

“Just like irl. The rich gets richer & the poor gets poorer” – Another fan shared online.

“Ohtani, Yoshinobu, and Roki, as the starting three, the Dodgers are going to be a dangerous team going into the 2025 season” – One more posted.

Roki Sasaki could help address the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching needs heading into 2025

It’s tough to say that the Los Angeles Dodgers need to improve anywhere after they dominated the New York Yankees 4-1 in the World Series. That being said, the club will need to address their pitching rotation heading into 2025, something that Sasaski could help with.

The Dodgers have several free agent pitchers, including Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, whose futures remain uncertain. Not to mention the health of some of their current pitchers like Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone.