Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki is one of the biggest question marks heading into next season as he looks to become a full-time starter.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki is one of the biggest question marks heading into next season as he looks to become a full-time starter.
Sasaki was one of the important additions to the Dodgers’ roster at the start of 2025, a heralded Japanese pitcher with good stuff and the potential to become a dominant pitcher if he developed and adjusted well.
His rookie season was filled with inconsistencies, but he delivered towards the end of the season, enough to earn another real look at the rotation.
“We’re gonna give him every chance to be the fifth starter or the sixth starter,” manager Dave Roberts told the California Post’s Dylan Hernandez.
While he will get the chance to prove himself, the biggest question looming around the Dodgers is how much they can expect from Sasaki. They are seemingly intent on having him learn what he needs to do.
“It’s always hard for a young player who’s had success doing something one way – great success – to now be vulnerable and open to something the game hasn’t told you that you needed to do,” Roberts added.
How did Roki Sasaki perform in his rookie season?
The young pitcher had a poor start to the 2025 season, struggling to go deep into games as a starter and maintain consistent velocity on his fastball. Eventually, he missed time due to a shoulder injury and worked his way back into a relief role.
Eventually, he returned in time for the end of the season and stepped up into a closer role during the playoffs, becoming the main, most reliable arm out of the bullpen.
During his rookie year, Sasaki put up a 4.46 ERA with 36.1 innings pitched in the regular season. He only had 0.3 WAR, but in the postseason, things turned around for him.
He had a 0.84 ERA with nine appearances and three saves, striking out six and walking five.
The successful spell in the bullpen should give him confidence that he can compete at a high level with other players in the major leagues, and he will need that boost as he looks to live up to his full potential.
Sasaki won’t have the surprise element he had in 2025, so he’ll need to adjust his pitching mix and style.
Category: General Sports
