When it comes to Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki’s move to MLB, many have been quick to pencil in the Los Angeles Dodgers as his future destination. However, as Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently pointed out, that conclusion might be premature. Bowden’s Nov. 14 column raises significant doubts about the Dodgers’ chances. This opens the door for other teams, including the Atlanta Braves, to become frontrunners in the Sasaki sweepstakes.
The Case Against the Dodgers
Bowden’s skepticism stems from two critical factors: financial opportunities and pitching development. Sasaki, currently 23, won’t be MLB arbitration-eligible until 2028 or a free agent until the 2030-31 offseason. That long wait creates a need for significant income through endorsements. According to Bowden, Los Angeles may not be the best place for Sasaki to maximize his earning potential.
In L.A., Sasaki could find himself overshadowed by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both expected to dominate headlines and endorsements. Yamamoto has reportedly faced challenges in building his own brand while sharing the spotlight with Ohtani. For Sasaki, this crowded field could mean fewer endorsement opportunities. This a major drawback for a player looking to make the most of his pre-free agency years.
Another concern is the intense media scrutiny in Los Angeles. Bowden highlights the 25-30 Japanese media members who would likely follow Sasaki’s every move. This level of attention might not be conducive to growth for a young pitcher still developing.
Why the Braves Make Sense
This is where the Braves come into play. Known for their elite pitching development system, Atlanta could provide Sasaki with an ideal environment to refine his craft. Unlike Ohtani, who was closer to a finished product at 23, Sasaki still has room to grow. Bowden suggests teams with a proven track record of nurturing pitchers—like the Braves, Padres, Rays, and Mets—are better fits than the Dodgers.
The Braves’ need for starting pitchers further enhances their case. With Max Fried and Charlie Morton entering free agency, Atlanta has significant rotation questions to address. By the time the MLB international signing period opens on Jan. 15, the Braves will have a clearer picture of their roster for 2025. They could aggressively pursue Sasaki if gaps remain.
The Waiting Game
One key factor working in Atlanta’s favor is timing. The delay until mid-January allows the Braves to assess their rotation needs and explore their options. The team’s financial flexibility and developmental strengths could position them as a major contender should they determine Sasaki is their best bet.
Bowden’s analysis suggests the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes will be far more competitive than many initially believed. While the Dodgers remain a popular choice, organizations like the Braves could very well emerge as the dark horse in this race. For now, the baseball world waits as Sasaki’s MLB future remains as intriguing as his electric 102-mph fastball.
