Speculation surrounding the future of Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki in the Major Leagues continues to grow, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres emerging as the main contenders to acquire his talents. The 23-year-old’s decision could depend on one key figure: Yu Darvish, who has been his mentor and an active supporter of his transition to MLB baseball.
Yu Darvish’s endorsement
According to Japanese baseball expert Yuri Karasawa, Darvish has been an influential figure in Sasaki’s development, helping him hone his devastating slider and acting as a mentor both on and off the field. Over the past year, Darvish even started a petition to have Sasaki “posted” to the MLB, a move that reflects his desire to see him compete at the highest level.
“Yu Darvish is like a mentor to him,” Karasawa said on the Baseball Bar-B-Cast podcast. “In Japan, there is a feeling that the Padres are at the table, especially since Darvish has a very close connection with Sasaki. But there is also the Ohtani factor, which attracts a lot of players to the Dodgers.”
Dodgers vs. Padres: ¿Ohtani o Darvish?
Sasaki’s decision will not only be between teams, but between emblematic figures of Japanese baseball. The Dodgers, who already have Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, have proven to be a popular choice for Japanese players in recent years. The presence of Ohtani, a global icon, could be a decisive factor for Sasaki.
On the other hand, Darvish has been a direct influence on Sasaki’s career, working with him on his repertoire and helping him evolve as a pitcher. This close relationship could tip the balance toward the Padres, who are looking to strengthen their rotation after an inconsistent 2024 season.
The economic factor: a unique opportunity
Due to his age, Sasaki will be considered an international amateur free agent, meaning he will only be able to sign a minor league contract. This makes him a bargain for the team that manages to sign him, since he will not qualify for a multi-million dollar contract like Ohtani or Yamamoto.
Despite these contractual limitations, Sasaki has already shown his potential playing alongside Ohtani and Darvish on the Japanese national team. His dominance in the NPB, combined with his youth, positions him as one of the most coveted acquisitions on the international market.
What’s next for Sasaki?
With the Dodgers and Padres leading the race, Sasaki’s decision could depend on both personal factors and the promises of development and competitiveness offered by both teams. While the Dodgers seem like the logical choice given their recent track record, the mentor-protégé relationship with Darvish should not be underestimated.
Roki Sasaki’s arrival in the MLB will not only mark a new chapter in his career, but could also define the direction of the Padres or the Dodgers in the coming seasons. What weighs more for Sasaki: following in the footsteps of Shohei Ohtani or remaining under the tutelage of Yu Darvish? The decision promises to be as intriguing as his potential on the mound.
