How much can Roki Sasaki get from the Dodgers?

The world of baseball has seen many international stars make their mark in Major League Baseball (MLB), but none have captured the imagination of scouts and executives quite like Roki Sasaki, the young Japanese pitcher with the Chiba Lotte Marines. With a fastball that routinely hits triple digits and an array of devastating pitches, Sasaki is arguably the most tantalizing pitching prospect in the world right now. As his status as one of Japan’s top talents continues to rise, all eyes are on the Los Angeles Dodgers and their potential pursuit of Sasaki when he eventually makes the leap to the MLB.

The Dodgers, known for their willingness to invest in top-tier international talent, have long been linked to Sasaki due to their deep pockets and history of international scouting success. But the question on many minds is: how much will Roki Sasaki demand when he is ready to sign with an MLB team? More importantly, how much can the Los Angeles Dodgers expect to pay for his services?

This question requires an exploration of several key factors that will influence Sasaki’s earning potential when he finally comes to the U.S. — including his talent, marketability, the Dodgers’ financial flexibility, and the precedent set by other high-profile international signings.

The Talent: Roki Sasaki’s Rise to Stardom

Roki Sasaki is a prodigious pitching talent that scouts and MLB teams have been tracking for years. Born in November 2001, Sasaki first gained national attention in Japan when he was a standout at the high school level, throwing multiple no-hitters and showcasing a fastball that could reach speeds of over 101 mph (163 km/h).

After signing with the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2020, Sasaki has only continued to impress. He possesses an impressive array of pitches: a fastball that can top 102 mph, a slider, and a forkball that are both regarded as elite offerings. The 2021 season marked a major milestone in his career when he threw a perfect game — the first in Japan in nearly 28 years — and did so with an incredibly efficient pitch count, further solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest young pitching talents in the world.

Beyond his physical tools, Sasaki has shown the mental toughness and maturity needed to succeed in the high-pressure environment of professional baseball. His composure on the mound, combined with his ability to overpower hitters, has made him a sought-after player, and his potential in the MLB is sky-high.

The Los Angeles Dodgers: Financial Power and International Scouting Success

The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to spending big money on international talent. Over the years, they have signed a number of high-profile international players, including Yasiel Puig, Jose Miguel Fernandez, and Kenta Maeda. In addition to their reputation for acquiring international talent, the Dodgers have a deep commitment to their scouting department, which places a strong emphasis on evaluating top international prospects.

The Dodgers’ success in recent years, both in terms of player development and overall team success, has given them the financial flexibility to pursue players like Roki Sasaki. The team’s ownership group, led by Mark Walter and Magic Johnson, has invested heavily in maintaining a strong roster and has demonstrated a willingness to pay top dollar for talent. The Dodgers’ massive television deal with SportsNet LA and their ongoing success on the field have only increased their revenue, making them one of the richest teams in baseball.

This financial power gives the Dodgers a significant edge when it comes to securing top-tier international prospects like Sasaki, especially in a competitive bidding process. The Dodgers’ ability to spend big also means they could offer Sasaki a contract that reflects his incredible potential, making them a front-runner for his services.

The Marketability of Roki Sasaki: International Star Potential

In addition to Sasaki’s impressive baseball talent, his marketability is another factor that will play a major role in determining his eventual contract value. Major League Baseball is always on the lookout for players who can drive international interest and expand the sport’s global reach, particularly in Japan, where baseball is a national obsession.

If Sasaki were to sign with the Dodgers, the team would not only be gaining an elite pitching prospect but also tapping into the Japanese baseball market — a crucial segment of MLB’s global fanbase. The Dodgers have had success with international players in the past, particularly with Kenta Maeda and Hyun-Jin Ryu, both of whom were successful pitchers in Japan before transitioning to the U.S.

Sasaki’s arrival would be an immediate marketing boon for the Dodgers, as they would likely see a boost in merchandise sales, ticket sales, and TV viewership from Japanese fans. In addition to his on-field impact, Sasaki has the potential to become one of the most marketable players in MLB, particularly in the eyes of Japanese fans who would love to see one of their brightest stars succeed in the U.S.

This international draw could significantly increase Sasaki’s earning potential, not just from his baseball salary, but also from endorsement deals, media appearances, and other commercial opportunities. MLB teams, including the Dodgers, are well aware of how valuable a player’s brand can be, and the Dodgers have the resources to take full advantage of Sasaki’s global appeal.

Historical Precedents: What Can We Expect from Sasaki’s Contract?

To better understand what kind of contract Roki Sasaki might command, it’s helpful to look at historical precedents for high-profile international signings. Several players from Japan have made the jump to the MLB in recent years, each with varying levels of success.

1. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels): Ohtani’s contract is perhaps the most high-profile example of a Japanese player making an impact in MLB. While Ohtani entered MLB through the posting system rather than being directly drafted, his contract — a $2.315 million signing bonus with the Angels — doesn’t fully capture his earning potential. The two-way player has become one of the most marketable figures in MLB, with endorsement deals worth millions.
2. Yu Darvish (San Diego Padres): Darvish, another top Japanese talent, signed a six-year, $126 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in 2018. While Darvish’s contract was large, it was a reflection of his ability to be a consistent ace. A similar contract for Sasaki could be in play, especially if he comes over as a pitcher with similar dominance and potential.
3. Masahiro Tanaka (New York Yankees): Tanaka’s $155 million deal with the Yankees, signed in 2014, came after he had proven himself as one of Japan’s top pitchers. Sasaki, who is considered a better prospect at a younger age, could command a similar or even higher amount.

Taking all of this into consideration, it is reasonable to believe that Roki Sasaki could command a contract in the range of $100 million to $200 million when he finally makes the move to the MLB. The Dodgers, with their financial flexibility and deep interest in international talent, would be one of the top contenders to secure Sasaki’s services.