Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki is going through a turbulent time in his young career, and while he will start the season in the major league rotation, his status going forward hinges on results.
Sasaki came to MLB much earlier than expected, which meant he didn’t go through the usual free agency process. Still, he could only receive a signing bonus as an international amateur free agent.
He was one of the most highly-touted players from Japan, with scouts believing he could develop into a top-tier ace with nasty stuff and a bold pitching style.
However, as a starting pitcher, Sasaki has shown potential but has regularly faced serious mechanical and delivery issues, making it difficult for him to attack the strike zone and establish his pitch mix effectively.
Mar 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) reacts after allowing a walk during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
After going on the injured list in 2025, Sasaki returned as a reliever due to the Dodgers’ needs at the position.
He was electric when he came on, giving the team stability, but it came with the promise that he would return to the rotation at the start of the new season.
Come the preseason of 2026, the Japanese pitcher has started all four of his Spring Training games, pitching a total of 8.2 innings.
However, he has given up 15 runs, nine hits, and 15 free passes, while only getting 12 strikeouts.
Roki Sasaki to the minor leagues?
Sasaki’s difficulty in consistently throwing strikes and getting outs raises concerns about his future as a starter, a role that requires a pitcher to secure multiple outs and face batters several times in a game.
Pitching depends heavily on adjustments, but Sasaki was unable to demonstrate this ability during Spring Training, which hurt his chances of proving he can adapt effectively.
The righty may find something before his first start of the season on Monday, March 30, but if he doesn’t and his current form persists, Sasaki could be headed to the minors to work on his mechanics.
While previously stubborn about staying in the major leagues, Sasaki has expressed openness to moving down if the organization feels it is best.
“If that’s the judgment, if that’s better, I think that’s fine,” Sasaki said in Japanese, per The California Post’s Dylan Hernandez.
With an openness to building from the ground up, the Dodgers’ decision-making should be easier if he continues to flounder in the major league.
LA Baseball Report
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