In a shocking admission, Andrew Friedman dismisses assumptions around the Dodgers’ acquisition of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki.

In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), few names have created as much buzz in recent years as Roki Sasaki, the 22-year-old Japanese pitching phenom from the Chiba Lotte Marines. Sasaki, with his blazing fastball, devastating splitter, and poise beyond his years, has captivated the baseball world, and his eventual move to MLB is seen as a foregone conclusion by many. As fans and analysts alike began to speculate about which MLB team might land Sasaki, the Los Angeles Dodgers were often mentioned as a favorite to sign him. However, in an unexpected and shocking revelation, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman recently dismissed the notion that the Dodgers were in any way guaranteed to pursue Sasaki, shaking up assumptions and raising eyebrows across the league.

While the Dodgers are historically known for their global scouting network and willingness to spend big on international talent, Friedman’s candid comments reveal a shift in strategy or, at the very least, a reconsideration of how the Dodgers approach high-profile international acquisitions. The implications of this admission go far beyond the Sasaki sweepstakes, as it calls into question the Dodgers’ overall strategy moving forward and their approach to adding top-tier talent in an increasingly competitive MLB landscape.

The Rise of Roki Sasaki: A Phenomenon in Japan

Before diving into Friedman’s admission, it’s important to understand the immense talent that Sasaki possesses. Known for his electric stuff and remarkable performance at just 22 years old, Sasaki quickly established himself as one of Japan’s top pitching prospects. A graduate of the prestigious Chiba Lotte Marines system, Sasaki took the Japanese baseball scene by storm with his absurd fastball velocity, often clocking in the 102 mph range. Coupled with his devastating splitter, Sasaki became an immediate standout in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

His performances for Japan’s national team also garnered international attention, solidifying his status as a player poised for MLB stardom. His most famous outing came in 2022, when he threw a perfect game, striking out 19 batters and showcasing his full arsenal in what could be considered one of the greatest pitching performances in NPB history. The hype surrounding Sasaki has only grown since then, with MLB scouts flocking to Japan to witness his dominance firsthand.

The questions surrounding his eventual move to MLB have been a topic of intrigue. Given his meteoric rise, many assumed that the Dodgers—whose front office is renowned for identifying and acquiring top international talent—would be at the forefront of the bidding war. Names like Shohei Ohtani, Kenta Maeda, and Hiroki Kuroda have previously made the Dodgers one of the most successful teams in tapping into the international talent pool. It seemed like a given that Sasaki, who would be an immediate star in MLB, would follow in the footsteps of these players and join the ranks of Dodgers’ pitchers. However, Andrew Friedman’s comments have cast doubt on that assumption.

Friedman’s Shocking Admission

In a recent interview with reporters, Andrew Friedman addressed the growing rumors about the Dodgers’ pursuit of Roki Sasaki. While answering questions about the team’s future plans, Friedman made a candid and surprising statement: “I think there’s this misconception that we are automatically in the mix for every top international player, but the reality is, it’s not always the right fit for us.”

This statement, which cut through the typical corporate language of front-office personnel, raised eyebrows for a couple of reasons. First, it seemed to dismiss the notion that the Dodgers are always the team to watch when it comes to securing international talent. Secondly, it raised questions about why a team with as much financial power and scouting prowess as the Dodgers would hesitate to make a push for Sasaki, who is widely regarded as one of the most tantalizing pitching prospects of the past decade.

For many, this revelation was a shocking about-face from what was expected. The Dodgers, after all, have a long history of landing marquee international players. From their acquisition of Ohtani’s former teammate Maeda in 2016 to their signing of Cuban defectors like Yasiel Puig, the franchise has been a dominant force in international markets. That track record seemed to make them the most likely candidate to land a player like Sasaki.

Yet, Friedman’s statement suggests that the Dodgers’ priorities may be shifting. Instead of focusing solely on the acquisition of top international stars, the Dodgers seem to be rethinking their approach. This could signal a change in how they value young talent, how much they are willing to spend, and how they integrate international players into their system.

The Changing Landscape of MLB’s International Market

Friedman’s comments also shed light on a larger shift in the MLB landscape, one that is focused less on making high-profile signings and more on building sustainable teams. In recent years, the international market has become increasingly competitive, with teams like the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox all aggressively pursuing international stars. As the market has grown more crowded, it’s possible that the Dodgers have reconsidered their approach, focusing less on throwing money at every top international prospect and more on ensuring that the talent they acquire fits into their broader vision.

One major factor contributing to this shift is the increasingly high price tags attached to top international players. In the case of Sasaki, his potential to be a generational talent has already driven up his projected cost. Despite his young age, the Japanese sensation is expected to command a multi-million-dollar signing bonus, with the price tag reaching figures seen in the high eight-figure range. For a team like the Dodgers, who already have an established roster and a significant payroll, investing such a large amount of money into a single player could create financial flexibility issues down the line.

Furthermore, the Dodgers have a well-established pitching development program that has cultivated homegrown talent such as Walker Buehler and Julio Urías. Rather than risk disrupting the harmony of their pitching staff with a high-profile, expensive addition like Sasaki, Friedman may be signaling that the Dodgers will prioritize depth and internal growth over simply signing the biggest name on the market.

Why Might Sasaki Not Be the Right Fit for the Dodgers?

When Friedman spoke about the “right fit,” it hinted at several possible reasons why the Dodgers might decide against pursuing Sasaki. One of the primary reasons could be the team’s commitment to player development and chemistry. Adding a high-profile player like Sasaki would undoubtedly require a significant investment, both financially and in terms of resources. The Dodgers, with their impressive farm system, may see more long-term value in developing homegrown talent rather than spending on a player who, while immensely talented, might not immediately fit into their roster or organizational culture.

Additionally, the Dodgers could be prioritizing roster balance. With an already impressive pitching staff, bolstered by players such as Clayton Kershaw, Buehler, and Urías, adding another starting pitcher could create a logjam in the rotation, particularly when the team has other areas of need that may require attention—such as depth in the bullpen or offensive upgrades in key positions.

Another factor that may play into this decision is the potential for Sasaki to experience a lengthy adaptation period in MLB. While his success in Japan is undeniable, the transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to Major League Baseball is never guaranteed. The pressure, competition, and adjustment to a new culture can take time, and not every international signing is able to perform at the same level in MLB. For the Dodgers, who already possess a strong team built for both short-term and long-term success, the risk of an international player struggling to adjust may be too great, especially when they have other areas of the roster that they feel are in need of improvement.

Implications for the Dodgers and MLB

The shocking admission from Friedman has wide-ranging implications for the Dodgers and MLB as a whole. For one, it highlights that the Dodgers are not infallible and have their own limitations when it comes to acquiring top international talent. While they may still be involved in the Sasaki sweepstakes—or future acquisitions—this statement suggests that the Dodgers will be more discerning in their approach moving forward.

For MLB fans and analysts, this admission presents a new challenge: Who will emerge as the frontrunner for Sasaki’s services if the Dodgers decide to back away? Teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Cubs have long been in the mix for international stars, and Sasaki’s decision will undoubtedly affect the balance of power in MLB for years to come.

Ultimately, Andrew Friedman’s comments serve as a reminder that even the most successful franchises must continuously reassess their strategies and make difficult decisions when it comes to roster construction. For the Dodgers, the era of signing every top international player may be over, but that doesn’t mean they won’t remain a formidable force in MLB for years to come. Whether or not Sasaki becomes a part of that future remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Dodgers are taking a more measured approach to their next big move.