The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, known for their championship pedigree, star-studded rosters, and unwavering fanbase. But in recent years, they’ve made headlines not just for their on-field success, but for their ability to attract top-tier talent from across the globe. The latest headline that has taken over the MLB world? The announcement that Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, one of the most highly anticipated young pitchers in the world, has chosen to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Sasaki, who has taken the Japanese professional baseball scene by storm with his electric fastball and devastating splitter, has been compared to some of the best pitchers to ever grace the mound. His decision to come to Major League Baseball (MLB) was one that many fans and analysts anticipated, but the fact that he chose the Dodgers left an indelible mark on both sides of the Pacific.
Naturally, Dodgers fans are ecstatic, while fans of other teams—particularly those who had hoped Sasaki would choose their side—are none too pleased. The reaction has been a rollercoaster of emotion, and it’s one that has sparked intense conversations on social media, at bars, and in stadiums across the country. Let’s take a closer look at why Roki Sasaki’s decision to choose the Dodgers has set the MLB world on fire, from the fervent excitement of LA fans to the palpable frustration of haters.
### The Phenomenon That Is Roki Sasaki
Before diving into the reaction, it’s important to understand why Roki Sasaki is such a big deal. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher has been labeled as one of the most dominant and electrifying young arms to come out of Japan in recent memory. Playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Sasaki has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, such as Shohei Ohtani and even a young Clayton Kershaw, for his combination of velocity, control, and off-speed stuff.
What sets Sasaki apart from other young pitchers is his rare combination of power and precision. His fastball has been clocked at over 100 mph, but it’s his splitter, which he uses with devastating effect, that has drawn the most attention. Opposing hitters have struggled to catch up with the movement and the sheer velocity of his pitches, leading to a ridiculous strikeout rate in Japan. In fact, Sasaki became the youngest pitcher in NPB history to throw a perfect game, and he followed that performance up with a 19-strikeout game just a few weeks later.
These kinds of performances have made Sasaki a generational talent, and his decision to come to MLB was inevitable. However, when it came time to make his choice, the Dodgers emerged as the victor in a highly competitive race to land him.
### Dodgers Fans: Celebrating a New Era of Dominance
For Dodgers fans, Sasaki’s decision to choose LA feels like the cherry on top of an already impressive roster. The Dodgers have long been known for their ability to develop elite pitching talent, with players like Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Julio Urías leading the way in recent years. But adding a young, top-tier international prospect like Sasaki elevates them even further.
Dodgers fans immediately took to social media to express their joy. Hashtags like #SasakiToLA and #DodgersDominance began trending, with fans celebrating the potential of a future pitching staff that includes both Kershaw and Sasaki—two of the most feared pitchers in their respective generations. The fact that Sasaki chose LA was seen not only as a major win for the Dodgers but also as a confirmation that the franchise remains one of the most desirable destinations in MLB.
There’s a sense of satisfaction in Dodger Blue fans’ reactions. After years of coming close but falling just short of a World Series title in the postseason, Sasaki’s addition could be the piece that pushes the Dodgers over the top for the next decade. The excitement is palpable, with fans already imagining a future rotation led by Sasaki’s blazing fastball, Kershaw’s veteran savvy, and the consistent dominance of Buehler and Urías.
Some fans are already drawing comparisons between Sasaki and the Dodgers’ successful international signings in the past, such as Yasiel Puig and the aforementioned Urías. There’s a growing sense that the Dodgers have positioned themselves as a true global powerhouse, with the ability to attract and develop top-tier international talent. The addition of Sasaki further cements their place as the team to beat in MLB for years to come.
### Haters React: The Discontent of Rival Fans
Of course, not everyone is thrilled about Sasaki choosing the Dodgers. In fact, for many rival fans, this feels like a gut punch. Teams that had hoped to lure Sasaki into their fold—such as the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, or even the San Francisco Giants—are now left to stew in their frustration. The Dodgers’ ability to reel in such a highly coveted talent only adds to their already well-established reputation as a team that can seemingly do no wrong.
The Yankees, who have long been seen as the Yankees of the East with their deep pockets and storied history, were among the teams that were reportedly heavily in the mix for Sasaki. They have the resources and the ability to sign international stars, but losing out to the Dodgers in this instance feels like a particularly bitter pill to swallow. Fans of other teams—especially those in the National League West—are already bracing for a future where Sasaki and Kershaw dominate their lineups for years to come.
Another group of detractors are those who view the Dodgers as a team that already has too much. In the minds of some fans, the Dodgers are already an MLB “superteam” thanks to their combination of financial resources and ability to sign free agents and trade for stars. Adding Sasaki into the mix feels like another example of a team that buys its way to success, further alienating fans who prefer to see teams build through the draft or develop homegrown talent.
Fans of the Padres, for example, have already been vocal about their frustrations with the Dodgers’ dominance in the division. With the Padres on the rise, adding a talent like Sasaki to the Dodgers’ arsenal only heightens the sense of imbalance in the National League West. The already competitive division just got that much more challenging for the likes of San Diego, Arizona, and San Francisco.
### The Global Impact: Sasaki’s Legacy Before Even Throwing a Pitch
The fact that Roki Sasaki is coming to the Dodgers is a huge deal not just within the U.S. but across the globe. Sasaki’s arrival will only increase the growing wave of international talent making their mark on MLB. While players like Shohei Ohtani and Ichiro Suzuki have paved the way, Sasaki represents the new wave of young stars coming from Japan and beyond who will take MLB to even greater heights.
The excitement surrounding Sasaki’s decision to join the Dodgers transcends the typical fanbase divide. It represents the increasing globalization of MLB, as players from different cultures and backgrounds continue to enrich the game. For Dodgers fans, having a player like Sasaki on their team is a statement about their place in that global narrative, while for rival fans, it’s a reminder that the Dodgers seem to have an endless supply of talent at their disposal.
### Looking Ahead: What Sasaki Brings to the Dodgers
What does Roki Sasaki bring to the Dodgers? In short, he brings everything a team could ask for in an ace. His fastball is electric, his splitter is unhittable, and his mental fortitude is as solid as they come. As one of the most highly touted young pitchers to ever come from Japan, Sasaki has the potential to anchor the Dodgers’ rotation for years to come.
Whether you’re a die-hard Dodgers fan or a hater who’s watching from the sidelines, there’s no denying that Sasaki’s addition to the team will be a game-changer. For fans, it’s a moment to celebrate and dream of future championships. For rivals, it’s a moment to fret, as one more juggernaut just emerged from the Dodgers’ already loaded roster.
The MLB world will be watching, and no matter where you stand, it’s safe to say that Roki Sasaki choosing the Dodgers will be one of the most defining moments of the 2023-2024 offseason.