Roki Sasaki – Los Angeles Dodgers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Roki Sasaki has become one of baseball’s most fascinating international stars since he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2025. The Japanese pitching phenom surprised just about everyone by signing a minor league contract with a modest base salary of $760,000, even though he clearly has the talent to command much more. As of 2025, Sasaki’s estimated net worth sits at around $5 million, coming from his pro baseball earnings, endorsements, and sponsorships in both Japan and the U.S.

What really makes Sasaki’s story stand out is how he chose to sacrifice immediate wealth to chase his Major League Baseball dreams. A lot of experts figured the right-hander could’ve landed a $300 million contract if he’d waited a bit longer before leaving Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. Instead, at just 23, the former Chiba Lotte Marines star put his MLB ambitions first and left a fortune on the table.

By joining the Dodgers, Sasaki has already become the biggest international free agent signing of the year. Sure, his current contract and net worth might look modest compared to MLB superstars, but with his talent, you get the feeling this is just the beginning of a remarkable—and probably lucrative—career in American baseball.

Early Life and Background

Roki Sasaki’s road to baseball stardom started in a small Japanese coastal town, shaped by both personal tragedy and some truly rare natural ability. His early years set the stage for his rise as one of baseball’s most promising pitchers.

Childhood and Family

Sasaki was born November 3, 2001, in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. When he was just 9, he lost his father and grandparents in the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan’s northeastern coast. That loss changed his life forever.

Even with so much hardship, Sasaki found comfort and purpose in baseball. His mother encouraged his athletic pursuits, seeing right away that her son was something special. He stood out even as a kid, tall and strong, which eventually earned him the nickname: the “Monster of the Reiwa Era”.

Path to Professional Baseball

Sasaki’s baseball journey took off during high school at Ofunato High, where he started turning heads across the country. His fastball was already something most pros would envy, and by his senior year, scouts from both Japan and the U.S. were showing up to watch him pitch.

MLB teams even showed interest right out of high school—which almost never happens for Japanese players. But Sasaki picked Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league and signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines. That choice let him develop his skills close to home.

With the Marines, Sasaki made headlines, especially after he threw a perfect game in 2022, striking out 19 batters. That performance cemented his reputation as a generational talent and set him up for his move to MLB, where he eventually joined the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Professional Career Overview

Roki Sasaki’s rise in pro baseball has been nothing short of meteoric, filled with record-breaking moments and international buzz. Watching him go from Japanese phenom to global baseball star really shows off his raw talent and drive.

Debut With Chiba Lotte Marines

Sasaki kicked off his pro career in 2021 with the Chiba Lotte Marines after they picked him first overall in the NPB draft. He wasted no time making an impact as one of Japan’s brightest young pitchers.

He quickly became the Marines’ ace, drawing new attention to a franchise that badly needed it. His fastball regularly hit 100 mph and made him an instant sensation.

Sasaki changed the Lotte Marines almost overnight. He helped boost the team’s standing in the Pacific League and brought in record crowds. Just having him around transformed the team’s pitching rotation and gave them a new sense of hope.

Nippon Professional Baseball Achievements

In NPB, Sasaki did things that put him in a league of his own. His biggest moment came in April 2022, when he pitched a perfect game with 19 strikeouts—a new Japanese pro baseball record.

His stats in Japan were jaw-dropping:

• Sub-2.00 ERA over several seasons
• Multiple double-digit strikeout games
• Low WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched)
• Gold Glove winner

Sasaki’s dominance in Japan earned him MVP consideration and established him as one of the most powerful pitchers in NPB history—even though he was still so young. That success opened the door for his jump to MLB with the Dodgers in 2025.

Key Accomplishments and Records

Roki Sasaki has become one of baseball’s most electrifying pitchers with his historic performances in Japan and, more recently, in Major League Baseball. His career so far is packed with jaw-dropping achievements.

Notable Games and Performances

Sasaki’s most legendary outing came when he pitched a perfect game for the Chiba Lotte Marines in NPB, striking out a ridiculous 19 batters—a new league record.

Then, in his next start, he nearly did it again, throwing 8 perfect innings before getting pulled. That kind of back-to-back dominance? Pretty rare.

When he made his MLB debut with the Dodgers, he grabbed his first big league win on May 3 against Atlanta, showing off the same blistering fastball that wowed fans in Japan.

His arsenal includes a fastball that set records at the Japanese high school level, regularly breaking triple digits.

Awards and Honors

Sasaki made the NPB All-Star team in 2022 and 2023, joining Japan’s pitching elite alongside guys like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who also joined the Dodgers.

He picked up a World Baseball Classic Gold Medal in 2023 with Japan’s dominant squad that featured Shohei Ohtani.

His performances in Japan put him in the conversation with the country’s best, following the path of other Japanese stars who made the jump to MLB.

Baseball insiders often compare his potential to Yamamoto and Ohtani, pointing to his mix of velocity, command, and poise on the mound. It’s not every day you see a pitcher with this kind of upside.

Transition to Major League Baseball

Roki Sasaki’s move to Major League Baseball wasn’t simple—he had to navigate tricky international signing rules and attracted interest from a bunch of MLB teams. He decided to chase his MLB dream earlier than most Japanese stars do.

Posting Process and Regulations

The Chiba Lotte Marines posted Sasaki through MLB’s international posting system in early 2025, breaking with the usual Japanese approach of waiting until players turn 25. Because of this, Sasaki had to follow MLB’s international signing bonus pool rules for players under 25.

These rules kept his initial MLB contract pretty modest. He’ll earn a minimum salary of $760,000 in 2025 and $780,000 in 2026.

By making the jump at 23 instead of waiting for free agency at 25, Sasaki chose his dream over a bigger payday. The Marines also missed out on a transfer fee that could’ve been worth tens of millions.

Interest From MLB Teams

Sasaki sparked a bidding war among MLB teams, with several going all-in to try and sign him. The Dodgers came out on top, adding him to their already stacked pitching staff.

The Dodgers saw Sasaki as a bargain investment, even with the contract restrictions. When Shohei Ohtani came over, the Angels paid his old team a $20 million release fee for context.

Teams loved Sasaki’s rare blend of elite velocity and pinpoint command. His perfect game and steady dominance in NPB made him one of the most coveted international prospects in years.

The Dodgers’ pitch, their organizational stability, and their track record with international players all played a big part in landing Sasaki.

Roki Sasaki’s MLB Contract Details

Roki Sasaki signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2025, stepping into Major League Baseball with a modest salary but huge long-term potential. The contract includes several financial details that balance team control with fair compensation for the Japanese star.

Salary Structure and Bonus

Sasaki’s contract with the Dodgers pays him $760,000 a year, which is standard for a minor league contract. The real money comes upfront—a $6.5 million signing bonus.

This setup looks pretty different from what other Japanese stars got when they came to MLB. For example, Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed with the Dodgers for $325 million over 12 years in 2024, and Seiya Suzuki joined the Cubs on an $85 million deal in 2022.

The smaller initial contract reflects MLB’s international signing rules and Sasaki’s service time in Japan. The Dodgers also paid posting fees to his Japanese team, which let them negotiate directly with him.

Financial Incentives and Clauses

Sasaki’s contract packs in performance incentives that could bump up his earnings well past his base salary. He can collect bonuses for innings pitched, hitting certain ERA marks, and making All-Star appearances.

The Dodgers added team options for extensions after the first contract term, which puts them in the driver’s seat as Sasaki tries to prove himself in MLB. If he performs, folks around the league expect Sasaki to land a hefty extension.

A bunch of MLB teams chased Sasaki before he chose the Dodgers—Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Padres, just to name a few. The competitive market for his arm says a lot about how teams view his upside, even if his first contract isn’t huge by MLB standards.

Wasserman agency represents Sasaki. They’ve negotiated some pretty high-profile deals for international players making the jump to MLB.

Net Worth and Earnings

Roki Sasaki has built up serious financial value thanks to his career in baseball—combining his earnings from Japan’s NPB and his recent Dodgers deal. His portfolio includes salary, bonuses, and a growing list of commercial partnerships.

Career Earnings in Japan and MLB

Back in Japan, Sasaki played for the Chiba Lotte Marines, where he earned a modest NPB salary. The exact numbers aren’t out there, but his on-field performance spoke louder than his paycheck.

When he moved to the Dodgers in January 2025, he signed a minor league contract that pays a base salary of $760,000 for the 2025 season, rising to $780,000 in 2026.

Sure, that’s not superstar money—yet. But Sasaki didn’t come to MLB just for cash. He’s been open about chasing his MLB dream over instant wealth, and he’s set himself up for much bigger contracts down the line.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Sasaki’s marketability isn’t just about his pitching. By 2025, his net worth is estimated at around $5 million, and a good chunk of that comes from endorsements and sponsorships.

Japanese brands saw his star power early and signed him up for endorsement deals. Now that he’s with the Dodgers, American companies are starting to take notice, hoping to tap into his growing popularity in both the U.S. and Asia. He’s got that clean, approachable image and the kind of talent brands love.

If his MLB career takes off, these partnerships could easily outpace his baseball salary—at least in the short run.

Role in International Baseball

Roki Sasaki has quickly become a key player in global baseball, connecting Japanese pro ball with MLB. His skills and international buzz have people comparing him to other Japanese stars who made the leap.

Impact on Japanese Baseball Exports

When Sasaki joined the Dodgers in January 2025, it felt like a turning point for Japanese talent heading to MLB. Most Japanese players make the move in their late 20s or 30s, but Sasaki went for it much earlier.

His decision pushed Japanese baseball teams to rethink how they handle young talent. Now, these teams face real pressure to adapt their contracts or risk losing stars before they hit their prime.

Sasaki’s perfect game in NPB—he struck out 19 batters—blew up his profile internationally. That one outing had MLB scouts buzzing and sped up his move to the States.

Comparison With Other Japanese MLB Stars

People can’t help but compare Sasaki’s path to others before him. Shohei Ohtani changed the game as a two-way player, but Sasaki’s all about pitching, with a fastball that’s already among the fastest in MLB.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto landed a huge contract right away, but Sasaki took a different route—a $6.5 million signing bonus and a minor league deal.

Some scouts even say Sasaki could have a bigger impact than Seiya Suzuki, and they’ve mentioned his name alongside legendary power pitchers like Roger Clemens. No pressure, right?

Sasaki faces a unique set of expectations, but he also benefits from the Dodgers’ experience helping international stars get comfortable in MLB.

Off the Field: Personal Life and Interests

Away from the mound, Roki Sasaki keeps things pretty low-key, slowly getting used to life in both Japan and the U.S.

Media Presence and Public Image

Sasaki likes to keep his personal life under wraps. In January 2025, news broke about his private marriage to an “ordinary” woman, but he hasn’t shared much—he’d rather keep his family life separate from baseball.

He doesn’t post much on social media, especially compared to other big-name athletes. When he does, it’s usually training, baseball stuff, or the occasional look at his new life in LA.

Japanese media, like Yahoo Japan, cover his career closely, but Sasaki rarely does deep-dive interviews. That seems to help him focus on his game without distractions.

Philanthropic Activities

Even though he’s still young, Sasaki tries to give back. In Japan, he ran youth baseball clinics, sharing tips and encouragement with kids from his hometown.

After moving to LA, Sasaki talked about helping with disaster relief in Japan—especially for earthquake victims, since he went through the 2011 Tōhoku disaster as a child.

He’s already joined the Dodgers’ community outreach programs, visiting local schools and encouraging kids from all backgrounds to get into baseball. He’s still new to philanthropy in the U.S., but he’s off to a good start and seems to take the responsibility seriously.

Future Outlook and Potential Legacy

Roki Sasaki’s just getting started, but he’s already got the tools to become one of baseball’s most exciting pitchers. That combination of raw velocity, control, and cool under pressure? It’s tough not to get a little carried away thinking about what he could do.

Long-Term Prospects in MLB

Right now, Sasaki’s contract with the Dodgers is pretty basic—he’ll make $760,000 in 2025 and $780,000 in 2026 because of international signing rules for players under 25. The real payday is down the road.

Once he hits free agency, insiders expect Sasaki to cash in big. ESPN’s Jeff Passan even predicted a deal around $200 million when the time comes. That’s a huge vote of confidence from people who know the business.

On the field, Sasaki’s got the stuff—102 MPH fastball, nasty splitter—to become a top-tier MLB pitcher. If he adjusts to big-league hitters and stays healthy, who knows how high he can go?

World Series Aspirations

When Sasaki joins the Dodgers, he steps into an organization that’s always chasing championship contention. Los Angeles just goes after the talent they need for October, and honestly, that relentless drive lines up perfectly with Sasaki’s own World Series dreams.

He’ll get several shots at making a difference in those high-stakes playoff runs. The Dodgers still have a tough core, and the front office keeps showing they’ll do whatever it takes to stay on top.

Sasaki could really make his mark in the playoffs. With his power pitching and that electric fastball, he’s got the kind of stuff that usually shines in October—when velocity and strikeouts matter most. If everything clicks, he might be the guy managers trust with the ball on Opening Day, or in those do-or-die games.

The real test? It’ll come in those pressure-packed postseason moments—those are what separate the greats from the rest. If he stays healthy and keeps developing, Sasaki’s got a shot to become one of those unforgettable October names.