Mar 20, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) delivers a pitch during the first inning against Mexico at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

mlb

Dodgers’ updated rotation after signing Roki Sasaki

Dodgers' rotation adds Roki Sasaki for 2025 dominance.

Mar 20, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) delivers a pitch during the first inning against Mexico at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made another blockbuster move, signing Rōki Sasaki to bolster their already formidable rotation. Sasaki announced his decision via Instagram, finalizing his move just before the end of his 45-day posting window. According to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, Sasaki will receive a $6.5 million signing bonus. This addition further cements the Dodgers’ dominance as the reigning World Series champions gear up for the 2025 season.

How much does Rōki Sasaki make?

Sasaki’s $6.5 million signing bonus reflects his immense talent and potential. Under international bonus pool restrictions, the Dodgers had to trade Dylan Campbell to the Phillies to secure additional space, showing just how much they valued Sasaki. While the bonus seems modest compared to MLB‘s mega-contracts, it’s a bargain for a pitcher of Sasaki’s caliber. His signing is expected to have a significant impact on both the Dodgers’ payroll and their pitching depth.

Welcome to Los Angeles and the World Champion Los Angeles @Dodgers Roki Sasaki! It’s a great day to be a Dodger fan! 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/UtExlQEmP0
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 18, 2025

How long is Rōki Sasaki’s contract?

At 23, Sasaki is under international signing rules similar to when Shohei Ohtani joined MLB. His contract will keep him under team control for several years, making him an invaluable long-term asset for the Dodgers. While the exact length of the deal isn’t confirmed, his inclusion in the Dodgers’ rotation signals a strategic focus on youth and international talent. The deal also aligns with their plan to utilize a six-man rotation, easing Sasaki’s transition to MLB.

Dodgers’ updated rotation

The Dodgers’ 2025 rotation is stacked with elite arms:

Shohei Ohtani – Expected to return midseason following elbow surgery, Ohtani remains the ace of the staff. His career ERA of 3.01 and three MVP titles speak volumes about his dominance.
Blake Snell – A two-time Cy Young winner, Snell brings consistency and big-game experience. He posted a 3.12 ERA in 2024 with the Giants.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto – After a stellar debut season in MLB, Yamamoto adds firepower with 105 strikeouts in 90 innings.
Tyler Glasnow – Known for his high strikeout rate, Glasnow remains a key piece despite durability concerns.
Rōki Sasaki – Sasaki’s 102-mph fastball and devastating splitter make him a wildcard with enormous upside. His 2024 NPB stats—2.35 ERA, 10.5 K/9, and 2.6 BB/9—show his potential to shine in MLB.

Japan 🇯🇵 ➡️ LA 🌴

Roki Sasaki joins Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the Dodgers! pic.twitter.com/XNh6KpGt88
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 17, 2025

With Clayton Kershaw planning a return, and young pitchers like Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin recovering from injuries, the Dodgers have unprecedented depth. Sasaki, alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto, gives the team a formidable Japanese trio, arguably making this rotation historic.

The Dodgers now face the pressure of maintaining their dominance in a competitive National League. Sasaki’s addition makes them the clear favorites for another title run, leaving rival teams scrambling for answers.

Image: Imagn Images

LA Dodgers

Roki Sasaki

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
Favorite part? The chaos. One day it’s a blockbuster trade, the next it’s a goat running onto the field. Never boring.
Message to readers: If you want deep analysis, there are people for that. If you want sharp, no-BS writing that actually makes sense, stick around.