Roki Sasaki: The Next MLB Ace?

The 23-year-old Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is expected to be an MLB ace eventually. Here's what insiders say about Sasaki in 2025 and beyond.

The Monster of the Reiwa era has arrived. On Friday night, Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki chose the Los Angeles Dodgers as his major league team and will soon grace American baseball fans with his devastating arsenal and captivating upside. Sasaki is only 23 and has had domestic evaluators salivating about his potential since he was a teenager. Armed with a triple-digit fastball, a mind-bending splitter and the determination of a budding ace, Sasaki's posting last month shook up the industry and had virtually every team dreaming of adding him to its rotation. In four years with Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki posted a 2.10 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 505 strikeouts and 88 walks in 394⅔ innings. In one two-game stretch in April 2022, he twirled a perfect game -- highlighted by 13 consecutive strikeouts, an NPB record -- and followed it with eight perfect innings. Now, he'll attempt to follow Yu Darvish, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Kodai Senga and Shota Imanaga, Japanese aces who all made the transition to Major League Baseball rather smoothly. One day, Sasaki could be better than all of them. But he's not there yet. ESPN spoke to numerous evaluators who have spent years tracking Sasaki in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, and the picture they painted was one of a gifted, determined pitcher with promise, but one who, despite the hype that has surrounded him since high school, is not yet fully formed. So what can the Dodgers expect from him in 2025? What follows are the five biggest takeaways from the scouts and evaluators on Sasaki, for this coming season and beyond.

What to Read Next

2025 MLB Draft Preview: Top 150 Prospects and Mini-Mock Draft Analysis
MLB

2025 MLB Draft Preview: Top 150 Prospects and Mini-Mock Draft Analysis

Get the latest insights on the 2025 MLB Draft with Kiley McDaniel's updated top 150 prospects rankings and a detailed mini-mock draft analysis.

Alex Bregman's Impact on the Red Sox: A New Era of Leadership and Performance
MLB

Alex Bregman's Impact on the Red Sox: A New Era of Leadership and Performance

Explore how Alex Bregman is transforming the Red Sox with his leadership and exceptional performance, setting a new standard in MLB.

MLB's Historic Decision: Pete Rose, 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson, and the Road to the Hall of Fame
MLB

MLB's Historic Decision: Pete Rose, 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson, and the Road to the Hall of Fame

Explore MLB's groundbreaking decision to lift the ban on Pete Rose and 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson, paving their way to Hall of Fame eligibility.

Rising Stars in MLB: Andrew Painter and Emerging Prospects to Watch in 2025
MLB

Rising Stars in MLB: Andrew Painter and Emerging Prospects to Watch in 2025

Discover the top MLB prospects, including Andrew Painter, who are making waves in 2025. Learn how these rising stars could impact fantasy baseball leagues.

Colorado Rockies 2025: A Historic Low in MLB Performance
MLB

Colorado Rockies 2025: A Historic Low in MLB Performance

An in-depth analysis of the Colorado Rockies' challenging 2025 MLB season, comparing their performance to historic lows in baseball history.

Luke Jackson Injured by 111-MPH Comebacker: Rangers' Closer Exits Game in Ninth Inning
MLB

Luke Jackson Injured by 111-MPH Comebacker: Rangers' Closer Exits Game in Ninth Inning

Texas Rangers' closer Luke Jackson exits after being hit by a 111-mph comebacker in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies.

Jake Burger Returns to Texas Rangers: A Boost for the Struggling Offense
MLB

Jake Burger Returns to Texas Rangers: A Boost for the Struggling Offense

Jake Burger rejoins the Texas Rangers from Triple-A, aiming to revitalize the team's struggling offense as they face the Colorado Rockies.

Expert MLB Fantasy Baseball Lineup Advice and Betting Tips for Tuesday's Games
MLB

Expert MLB Fantasy Baseball Lineup Advice and Betting Tips for Tuesday's Games

Get expert MLB fantasy baseball lineup advice and betting tips for Tuesday's games. Optimize your bets and fantasy lineups with detailed pitcher rankings and analysis.

Dodgers Strengthen Outfield with Acquisition of Steward Berroa from Blue Jays
MLB

Dodgers Strengthen Outfield with Acquisition of Steward Berroa from Blue Jays

The Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their outfield by acquiring Steward Berroa from the Toronto Blue Jays in a cash deal.

Top MLB Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8: High-Ceiling Players to Watch
MLB

Top MLB Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8: High-Ceiling Players to Watch

Discover the top MLB waiver wire pickups for Week 8, featuring high-ceiling players like Byron Buxton and Jake Burger. Enhance your fantasy baseball roster with these strategic additions.

2025 MLB Trade Deadline: Key Factors and Team Strategies Unveiled
MLB

2025 MLB Trade Deadline: Key Factors and Team Strategies Unveiled

Explore the pivotal factors and emerging team strategies shaping the 2025 MLB trade deadline, including the rise of opportunist teams and market dynamics.

Ultimate MLB Fantasy Baseball and Betting Guide for Monday: Expert Picks, Lineup Tips, and Odds
MLB

Ultimate MLB Fantasy Baseball and Betting Guide for Monday: Expert Picks, Lineup Tips, and Odds

Get expert advice on setting your MLB fantasy baseball lineups and placing bets for Monday's games. Includes pitcher rankings, hitting notes, and betting insights.

Unveiling the Worst Records in MLB History: A Deep Dive into Historic Lows
MLB

Unveiling the Worst Records in MLB History: A Deep Dive into Historic Lows

Explore the teams with the worst records in MLB history, including the Chicago White Sox's recent struggles and historic lows.

Ultimate MLB Sunday Guide: Fantasy Lineup Strategies & Betting Insights
MLB

Ultimate MLB Sunday Guide: Fantasy Lineup Strategies & Betting Insights

Get expert advice on setting your fantasy baseball lineup and making informed MLB bets for Sunday's games. Includes pitcher rankings, hitter insights, and betting tips.

Casey Mize's Hamstring Strain: A Setback for the Detroit Tigers' Pitching Lineup
MLB

Casey Mize's Hamstring Strain: A Setback for the Detroit Tigers' Pitching Lineup

Detroit Tigers' pitcher Casey Mize is placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain, impacting the team's pitching strategy.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.