The Los Angeles Dodgers have initiated discussions with Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, who is currently weighing his options after being posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines. Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, confirmed that the Dodgers were among several franchises, including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres, that have shown interest in the young right-hander. Interestingly, the Dodgers' initial meeting with Sasaki did not include prominent players like Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as Sasaki specifically requested that no players attend the meetings to maintain a focused environment.

The meetings, which lasted about two hours each, were held at Wolfe's office and featured team executives, coaching staff, and performance specialists. Sasaki's decision-making process is ongoing, as he has returned to Japan to consult with his family and team about potential next steps, including meetings with additional teams or narrowing down his choices. Wolfe emphasized the thorough preparation teams have undertaken, with many presenting elaborate materials to showcase their interest in Sasaki.

Sasaki's impressive track record in Japan includes a remarkable 30-15 record and a 2.02 ERA over four seasons, highlighted by a perfect game in 2022. His pitching arsenal features a fastball that can reach up to 102 mph, complemented by a devastating split-fingered fastball and slider. Despite his youth, Sasaki is viewed as a potential ace, and his signing would come at a relatively low cost due to his age, similar to Ohtani's initial contract with the Angels. The Dodgers, fresh off a World Series victory, see Sasaki as a key addition to their already strong pitching rotation, which includes established stars and promising young talent.