Shohei Ohtani was ‘Driving the Bus’ in Rōki Sasaki Contract Pursuit
Shohei Ohtani’s Influence Seals the Deal for Rōki Sasaki’s Move to the Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again made waves in the MLB off-season, securing Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki—and the driving force behind the move? None other than Shohei Ohtani.
According to The Athletic, Ohtani played a pivotal role in recruiting Sasaki, even spearheading the Dodgers’ efforts during their meeting with the 23-year-old. This impressive show of camaraderie highlights Ohtani’s influence not only on the field but also as a key recruiter for the franchise.
Ohtani Leads the Recruitment for Rōki Sasaki
The Dodgers’ pursuit of Sasaki included a powerhouse lineup of players present at the meeting, including Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Will Smith, and Tommy Edman. However, it was Shohei Ohtani who reportedly “drove the bus” in convincing Sasaki to join the reigning World Series champions.
Sasaki, who recently announced his agreement with Los Angeles, received a $6.5 million signing bonus, marking a significant milestone for the talented right-hander.
A Winning Formula: Sasaki’s Connection to Ohtani and Yamamoto
Sasaki’s familiarity with both Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto—fellow Team Japan members who triumphed in the 2023 World Baseball Classic—was a key factor in his decision. Beyond the camaraderie, the Dodgers’ organization showcased their culture and resources, positioning themselves as the ideal fit for the young star.
Over his four-season career with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki delivered remarkable stats, including:
- 2.10 ERA
- 0.894 WHIP
- 505 strikeouts in 394.2 innings
These achievements solidified his reputation as one of Japan’s most promising pitchers.
Dodgers Build a Stacked Rotation for 2025
With Sasaki, Ohtani, and Yamamoto anchoring the rotation, the Dodgers’ pitching lineup for 2025 is shaping up to be a dominant force. While Ohtani was limited to hitting in 2024, he still managed to clinch his third MVP award with a phenomenal performance:
- 54 home runs
- 130 RBIs
- .310/.390/.646 slash line
Ohtani is expected to return to the mound in 2025, complementing Sasaki’s blazing fastball and splitter.
Dodgers Eye Another Championship Run
The Dodgers’ aggressive moves this off-season underscore their commitment to building a dynasty. Securing Sasaki not only bolsters their roster but also positions them as heavy favorites to defend their title in the upcoming season.
Shohei Ohtani’s leadership has been instrumental both on and off the field, and his influence in swaying Rōki Sasaki is yet another testament to his value as a franchise cornerstone.
