Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old pitching sensation from the Chiba Lotte Marines, has officially signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers through the posting system. Sasaki shared the news on January 18 (JST) via Instagram, posting an image of a Dodgers cap on a seat at Dodger Stadium alongside a heartfelt message about his decision.

In his post, Sasaki wrote, “I’ve signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a very difficult decision, but I want to work hard so that when I look back on my career, I can feel it was the right choice. At the press conference, I plan to wear the Dodgers uniform with gratitude for everyone who has supported me so far.”

Sasaki’s signing follows a highly competitive bidding process, with over 20 MLB teams expressing interest due to his remarkable talent. Because he is under 25, Sasaki was subject to MLB’s “25-year rule,” limiting his contract options to a minor league deal.

In December, he conducted interviews with representatives from seven teams, including the Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, and Rangers. After further discussions with the Blue Jays in January, Sasaki narrowed his choices to the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays before ultimately selecting Los Angeles.

The Dodgers’ strong development programs and facilities played a key role in his decision, as monetary considerations were secondary due to the nature of the minor league contract. Sasaki will join a rotation that includes two of his countrymen, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom were part of Japan’s championship-winning team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Shohei Ohtani, a fellow native of Iwate Prefecture, expressed his support for Sasaki’s journey during his MVP press conference in December. “I’m not trying to recruit him,” Ohtani said, “but I respect his decision. No matter which team he chooses, he’ll perform at a high level.”

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