TOKYO -- Roki Sasaki has the type of pure stuff a team can dream on -- and several did this past offseason. But as both he and the Dodgers have made clear, the 23-year-old right-hander remains a work in progress, which was evident in his first big league start.
Sasaki struck out three across three innings of one-run ball during the Dodgers' 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome on March 19, 2025. Despite his electrifying potential, he struggled with his command, issuing five walks and landing only 25 of his 56 pitches for strikes. Ranked MLB Pipeline's No. 1 overall prospect in baseball, Sasaki came into this game with massive expectations. While the Dodgers are high on his potential, they acknowledge that he is not a finished product and anticipate some bumps in the road as he transitions to the Major Leagues.
"I think when you get youth and talent, which is Roki, what that introduces is variance," Dodger's manager Dave Roberts said before the Tokyo Series finale. "There's going to be some really high highs, and then some things that you just don't know will happen because of his inexperience."
Sasaki's debut was full of highs and lows. He came out firing on Wednesday night, with his first pitch clocking in at 99.5 mph. Eight of his first 11 pitches registered at 99 mph or higher, showcasing the electrifying talent that had scouts buzzing throughout his ascent in Nippon Professional Baseball.
The rookie's enthusiasm poured into the first inning, where he methodically retired the first three Cubs batters in order. His first career strikeout was against his countryman Seiya Suzuki, who went down swinging on a fastball, marking a memorable start to Sasaki's Major League career.
However, trouble was brewing. Sasaki's struggles with command became apparent in the second inning when he issued his first two walks of the night. Yet, he managed to escape that jam without allowing a run.
But the challenges intensified in the third. Sasaki allowed an infield single and then walked three consecutive batters, ultimately forcing in a run that cut the Dodgers' lead to 3-1. With the bases loaded and the pressure mounting, Sasaki showed resilience, striking out both Michael Busch and Matt Shaw to close out his final inning of work.
Overall, Sasaki threw 56 pitches during his debut, with 31 of those being balls, indicating there is still room for improvement in his control. His famed splitter, while occasionally spectacular, often missed the strike zone, a testament to the areas he still needs to refine.
Sasaki signed with the Dodgers this past offseason after being one of the most sought-after names on the market. His contract included a $6.5 million signing bonus, as he transitioned from four successful seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Chiba Lotte Marines, where he posted an impressive record of 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts over 394 2/3 innings.
This debut not only marked an important milestone for Sasaki but highlighted the Dodgers' commitment to developing talent. They are aware that with a player of Sasaki's caliber, the journey can be unpredictable.
"We’re excited about Roki’s potential, and even though he faced some challenges tonight, it's a part of growing," Roberts reflected. "His talent is undeniable, and we believe he can bring a lot to our team moving forward."
It’s clear that as Sasaki navigates the complexities of the Major Leagues, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, hopeful for the brilliance he brings on the mound and the growth that lies ahead.
Sasaki's journey has just begun, and while it was a rocky first outing, it was also a glimpse of the promise that has every baseball fan excited.
