MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Roki Sasaki #14 of Team Japan throws the ball during the third inning against Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals at loanDepot park on March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Roki Sasaki has been linked with a move to the Yankees.

Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki has made his highly anticipated decision, opting to join the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Sasaki announced his move via a translated Instagram post on Friday, sharing a photo of himself donning a Dodgers cap.

“I have signed a minor contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers,” Sasaki wrote. “It was a very difficult decision, but I will do my best to make it the right decision when I look back after my baseball career.”

The 22-year-old also expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey: “I want to slip my sleeve on the Dodgers uniform at the opening conference, thanking everyone who has supported me this far.”

Dodgers continue to build a juggernaut

Sasaki joins a formidable Dodgers rotation featuring Shohei Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, who returns as a two-way player after limited pitching in 2024. Fellow Japanese standout Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who excelled with a 3.00 ERA during his rookie season, and newly signed two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell round out a star-studded group.

The Dodgers, fresh off a five-game World Series victory over the New York Yankees, have positioned themselves as early favorites for another championship. Sasaki’s 102-mph fastball and devastating splitter add depth to a team already brimming with talent.

Yankees’ focus shifts to Munetaka Murakami


The Yankees, who had pursued Sasaki, now appear to be setting their sights on another Japanese superstar: Munetaka Murakami. According to Yankees reporter Michael Kay, the front office is eyeing Murakami as a long-term solution at first base. During a recent segment on ESPN, Kay stated:

“You’ve got to come up with another creative way to make yourself more attractive. [Yoshinobu] Yamamoto turned you down for the Dodgers. Now, [Roki] Sasaki turned you down. The slugging first baseman Murakami is going to be a free agent at the end of this year. I know the Yankees would love to have him. That’s why they don’t want to sign a long-term deal for a first baseman.”

Murakami, currently with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, is a generational talent. At 22, he became the youngest player in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) history to win the Triple Crown, slashing .318/.458/.711 with 56 home runs and 134 RBIs in 2022. While his 2024 season was less dominant, he still managed 33 home runs and a .379 OBP despite early slumps.

A Perfect Fit for Yankee Stadium?

Murakami’s power, particularly from the left side of the plate, could make him a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch. Although primarily a third baseman, scouts believe his defensive future lies at first base, aligning with the Yankees’ potential need for a left-handed power hitter.

While the adjustment from NPB to MLB remains a challenge, Murakami’s ability to draw walks and hit for power gives the Yankees a promising blueprint for success. Fans can look forward to a potentially game-changing addition should the Yankees secure Murakami’s services next offseason.

After losing Juan Soto and missing out on both Sasaki and Yamamoto, the Yankees’ strategy is clear: stay patient and target long-term solutions. With Murakami on their radar, the Bronx Bombers may find themselves back in the driver’s seat for international talent by this time next year.