Scouting Report: Roki Sasaki

Summary

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.