Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Roki Sasaki, 24-year-old right-hander for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has had a tumultuous start to his MLB career. After signing as an international free agent in January 2025 with elite prospect status (compared to Paul Skenes and Stephen Strasburg), he struggled significantly in 2025 (4.46 ERA in 10 appearances) and continued struggling early in 2026 (5.88 ERA through 7 starts in May). Key concerns include diminished fastball velocity from his NPB days and poor command/control (69 hits and 38 walks in 70 innings over two seasons). However, recent signs of improvement emerged mid-May with a dominant 7-inning, 8-strikeout performance against the Angels (4 hits, 0 walks), showing improved mechanics, better command, and increased confidence. The Dodgers organization remains committed to his long-term development as a starting pitcher, with president Andrew Friedman stating they "definitely see him as a long-term starting pitcher" with "elite starting pitcher" upside. Sasaki himself acknowledges the process has been "long and difficult" but reports gradual mechanical progress and improved pitch differentiation.
Strengths
- + Elite raw talent and high ceiling
- + Recent dominant performance vs Angels (7 IP, 8 K, 0 BB)
- + Improved mechanical consistency and repeatability
- + Better command and strike zone attack
- + Increased fastball velocity (98 mph)
- + Organizational commitment and patience from Dodgers
- + Strong performance in 2024 NPB (2.10 ERA, 505 K in 394.2 IP)
- + Growing confidence as pitcher develops
About
Roki Sasaki is a sp for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Player Overview
SP
Los Angeles Dodgers
Recent News
Shaikin: Pitching injuries are piling up again for Dodgers. Can the starting rotation hold up?
May 19, 2026
Roki Sasaki: Stellar in second win
May 18, 2026
Dodgers notes: Roki Sasaki, Eric Lauer, Ross Stripling
May 18, 2026
Dodgers vs. Angels game III chat
May 17, 2026
Roki Sasaki s breakout performance helps Dodgers sweep Angels
May 17, 2026