Los Angeles Dodgers Reportedly May Lose Out On Star P Roki Sasaki In Free Agency

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been heavily tied to Japanese starting pitcher Roki Sasaki in MLB rumors for nearly a year. With MLB free agency now just a few months away, there’s some unfortunate Dodgers news on the club’s offseason target.

Sasaki, currently just 22 years old, is one of the best pitchers in baseball outside the United States. The right-handed starter is a two-time Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star, with a perfect game and the NPB record for consecutive strikeouts (13). For more than a year, teams have been eyeing him as a top option in MLB free agency with no club’s interest more obvious than the Dodgers. However, things have taken a turn.

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Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on Sunday that Sasak is now experiencing a “change of heart” and might spend another year playing in Japan. Previously viewed as one of the top starters expected to be available in MLB free agency, Sasaki now could be off the market entirely.

Will the Dodgers sign Roki Sasaki?

Struggles this season might play a part in it. The 22-year-old’s ERA dropped from 1.78 last season to 2.15 this season in 71 innings pitched. He’s also seen his WHIP skyrocket from 0.747 to 1.028 WHIP, with command (2.5 BB/9) and injuries plaguing him this season.

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• Roki Sasaki stats 2024 ( Baseball Reference ): 2.15 ERA, 1.028 WHIP< 4.15 K/BB, 6.7 H/9, 10.5 K/9 in 71 innings pitched

The injury might be the biggest reason behind Sasaski’s dip in production this season. He missed multiple starts in June with a right arm injury, per ESPN . While he returned to the mound after a few missed starts, he was hit by a liner in the ankle this past week and had to be pulled from the game.

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There might be another incentive for Sasaki to stay in Japan. He turns 23 years old in November, meaning he is under the age threshold required to become a normal free agent in Major League Baseball. Instead, the 23-year-old must sign a minor-league contract with an MLB team and clubs can only bid up using their international bonus pool money.

Sasaski would have to theoretically spend. the 2025 and 2026 seasons in Japan before making the jump to MLB, which he might not be willing to wait for. However, after months of everyone expecting him to be one of the top MLB free agents in 2025, it appears the Dodgers and other clubs now might have to wait another year for Sasaki.

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