Will Smith praises Sasaki’s pitching skills and growing confidence. [Image Source: ARCPUBLISHING]
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki is entering his second Major League Baseballseason with the team following a challenging yet promising first year. Despite battling a right shoulder impingement in 2025, the young Japanese pitcher demonstrated glimpses of his potential during both the regular season and postseason. Dodgers catcher Will Smith expressed confidence in Sasaki’s growth and readiness to secure a spot in the starting rotation for the 2026 season.
Smith told SportsNet LA that Sasaki “looks good,” highlighting the effectiveness of his fastball and splitter, and noting promising development of a cutter/slider pitch. Smith noted,
“He’s throwing the ball hard. The fastball looks really good. The splitter looks really good. He’s been working on a little cutter/slider‑type thing, just really trying to dial that in. We’re going to see him as well, just something going the other way. Yeah, he looks good.”
Further emphasizing Sasaki’s evolution, Smith remarked on the pitcher’s growing confidence and command on the mound.
“I feel like he knows, you know, a little bit more of what he needs to do on the mound. He has a little better presence. It just takes a little bit of time to get your feet wet in the big leagues. You’ve got to feel success at some point, and that’s what he felt, you know, in the postseason. I’m expecting him to carry it over to this season.”
Smith’s insight reflects both an acknowledgment of Sasaki’s rookie challenges and a hopeful outlook on his development as a starting pitcher.
Team Executives Confident Sasaki Will Thrive as a Starter
Behind the scenes, Dodgers leadership remains bullish on Sasaki’s future despite a limited pitch repertoire consisting primarily of a fastball and splitter. Andrew Friedman, the team’s president of baseball operations, regards Sasaki’s experience in the 2025 season as valuable for his growth and believes the pitcher can succeed at the highest level with refinement.
Friedman stated on Dodgers Territory,
Image of: Will Smith
“I think last year, all in all, was a really good experience for him.”
He acknowledged that Sasaki had difficulties with delivery consistency and velocity last season but emphasized the importance of improving pitch execution or adding a third pitch.
“It’s either adding that third pitch or elevating the pitch-making ability, and we’ve seen that from him in the past,”
Friedman added.
General manager Brandon Gomes also expressed unwavering support for Sasaki, insisting on his role as a starter moving forward. Speaking to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Gomes said,
“Starter for sure. He looks great. Velocity is really good in bullpens. He’s feeling awesome physically [and] continuing to work on the cutter and two‑seam. If he just went fastball‑split, and he could dominate. And as he rounds out the arsenal, it’s going to be really challenging for teams as he gets through the third time in the order.”
Friedman’s confidence in Sasaki’s career longevity was equally strong. He shared,
“We couldn’t be more bullish on what he’s capable of.”
He further predicted a successful, lengthy tenure in the majors for the young pitcher, recognizing that it can take time for elite talents to fully adjust and combine their skills effectively.
Recap of Sasaki’s Rookie Season and Postseason Impact
In his inaugural MLB season, 24-year-old Sasaki recorded a 1-1 win-loss record with a 4.46 ERA and struck out 28 batters across 10 regular-season appearances. Though his regular season showed inconsistency, the postseason saw a marked improvement. Sasaki delivered an ERA of 0.84 while striking out six batters and securing three saves over nine postseason outings, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ World Series championship.
His successful transition to high-pressure relief appearances has drawn attention, yet both the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff remain set on developing him as a starting pitcher. Given his youth, strong pitching arsenal, and steady progress, Sasaki’s potential to become a dominant force in the rotation is widely anticipated.
Outlook for Sasaki’s Role in 2026 and Beyond
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Dodgers and their key figures, including Will Smith, Andrew Friedman, and Brandon Gomes, hold a shared belief in Sasaki’s ability to elevate his game and fulfill expectations as a starting pitcher. The focus will be on refining his pitch mix, maintaining physical health, and building confidence on the mound.
This critical season could be the one where Sasaki cements himself not only as a reliable starter for the Dodgers but also as a long-term asset poised to impact the team’s success for years to come. The trajectory of his career remains a point of intense interest, as fans and analysts alike watch to see how his raw talent translates with experience and development.
