Minutes Before Roki Sasaki’s Announcement Shohei Ohtani Sent a Text That Sent Shockwaves Around MLB
The Los Angeles Dodgers have pulled off one of the most talked-about moves of the MLB offseason, signing Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. This marquee acquisition comes with a thrilling backstory, starring none other than Shohei Ohtani, who played a pivotal role in influencing Sasaki’s decision.
Roki Sasaki Chooses Dodgers Over Padres and Blue Jays
While the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays were strong contenders for Sasaki, his ultimate choice was the Dodgers. Notably, Sasaki has often referred to Yu Darvish as a “godfather,” leading many to believe he might end up in San Diego. However, the Dodgers’ well-rounded pitch and Ohtani’s influence sealed the deal.
According to sources, Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, had meticulously planned to announce the pitcher’s decision on Instagram. Once shared, Wolfe intended to notify the involved teams—starting with those who missed out, followed by a celebratory call to the winner.
But the Dodgers got an early heads-up—thanks to Ohtani. Minutes before Sasaki’s Instagram post went live, Ohtani sent a text to the Dodgers’ front office:
“We got him.”
Those three words confirmed that Sasaki was joining the Dodgers, sending waves of relief and excitement through the organization.
Shohei Ohtani’s Key Role in Securing Sasaki
Shohei Ohtani wasn’t just a passive bystander in this pursuit—he was actively driving the process. The Athletic reported:
“Shohei Ohtani was ‘driving the bus’ in the Dodgers’ pursuit of Roki Sasaki.”
The two pitchers share a close bond, having played together during Japan’s victorious 2023 World Baseball Classic campaign. This camaraderie, combined with the Dodgers’ reputation for nurturing young talent and their large Japanese-American fanbase, made Los Angeles an attractive destination for Sasaki.
The Dodgers went above and beyond to make their pitch unforgettable. Instead of hosting the meeting at Dodger Stadium, they invited Sasaki to co-owner Pete Guber’s luxurious Bel Air home. There, Sasaki was treated to:
- A stellar sushi dinner prepared by a private chef.
- A personalized video message tailored to the young star.
This thoughtful approach, coupled with Ohtani’s influence, tipped the scales in favor of the Dodgers.
Dodgers’ Celebrations and Sasaki’s Signing Bonus
At just 23 years old, Sasaki signed a minor league contract with a significant signing bonus of $8.2 million. His arrival adds immense depth to an already formidable Dodgers rotation, featuring stars like:
- Shohei Ohtani
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Tyler Glasnow
- Blake Snell
The excitement is palpable among the Dodgers’ stars. Ohtani celebrated Sasaki’s arrival by sharing a series of Instagram posts, including:
- A photo of a Dodgers cap on a folded seat at Dodger Stadium, echoing the image Sasaki used to announce his move.
- An MLB graphic welcoming Sasaki to Los Angeles.
Even Blake Snell, another major offseason signing with a five-year, $182 million deal, expressed his enthusiasm, sharing a story on Instagram:
“Let’s go!”
Will Roki Sasaki Start on Opening Day?
The Dodgers’ pitching rotation is now stacked with talent, making the choice for an Opening Day starter intriguing. The 2025 season kicks off on March 18 in Tokyo, Japan, presenting a unique opportunity for Sasaki to debut in front of his home crowd.
Could Sasaki be the one to take the mound for the season opener? Or will Blake Snell, another strong candidate, get the nod? Manager Dave Roberts will have some tough decisions to make, especially with Ohtani’s return from injury being closely monitored.
Dodgers Aim for Championship Glory
With Sasaki’s signing and a roster brimming with talent, the Dodgers aren’t just eyeing a championship—they’re building a dynasty. This move solidifies their intent to dominate MLB for years to come.
What are your thoughts on the Dodgers’ new-look rotation and the possibility of Sasaki starting the opener in Tokyo? Let us know!
