Roki Sasaki was clear with his decision when he picked the Dodgers over any other team. Sasaki had a number of teams pursuing him, but he wanted to be a Dodger. Despite rumors of him joining the Padres due to Yu Darvish, it was evident that he wanted to wear Dodger Blue.
Many believe the pitcher wanted to play along with his friends Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Some MLB insiders speculated the Dodgers and Sasaki had a pre-cut deal even before he entered the MLB. However, Sasaki has his own reasons. The Japanese star picked the Dodgers for a welcoming environment.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale took to X to share Roki Sasaki’s reason for joining the Dodgers. Fans immediately reacted to the pitcher’s justification.
Roki Sasaki says it didn't matter to him if he joined a team with Japanese players, but wanted to make sure he would be embraced in a city.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 22, 2025
Here’s a look at some fan reactions on X.
“Those are all total lies from Sasaki,” wrote one fan.
Those are all total lies from Sasaki.
— Padres & Boise State (@PerformanceGuru) January 23, 2025
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“Yeah yeah, Roki said a lot of things. All to deflect the fact he had agreed with the dodgers months ago,” another fan wrote.
Yeah yeah, Roki said a lot of things. All to deflect the fact he had agreed with the dodgers months ago.
— Jason (@pale_n_lazy) January 23, 2025
“Seriously, does anyone(besides Dodgers fans) believe anything this dude says?” one fan asked.
Seriously, does anyone(besides Dodgers fans) believe anything this dude says?
— Ken Rogers (@Stewpot1221) January 23, 2025
“Dude, you would have been loved no matter where you signed,” another fan replied.
Dude, you would have been loved no matter where you signed.
— Boomstick Mafia (@BoomstickMafia) January 23, 2025
Total clown show.
— Jimmy Fingers (@JimmyFingers19) January 22, 2025
Haha I dont believe anything the guy says. Hope the Dodgers are trash and that he has a horrible year.
— Junky Wax (@junkywax) January 23, 2025
Something just ain’t adding up the more that comes out post Roki decision. why go through this whole proces if he was always a dodger?
— Douglas A Sanchez (@DougieDoug90) January 23, 2025
Bros lies are insane
— CFRacing (@CFlashRacing) January 22, 2025
Roki Sasaki Is Excited To Be A Part Of The Dodger Family
The Dodgers introduced Sasaki after he signed a physical deal with a $6.5 million signing bonus. After finishing all formalities with the team, Sasaki attended a press conference. The 23-year-old wore a No.11 jersey and addressed reporters.
“I am deeply honored that many teams reached out to me with such enthusiasm, especially since I haven’t achieved much in Japan,” Roki Sasaki said via his translator.
Along with Sasaki were Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. After acquiring Sasaki, the Dodgers boast one of the most formidable starting rotations. The team will use a six-man starting rotation in 2025. Apart from Sasaki, Jurickson Profar’s trade rumors have picked up the pace.
