"MLB finding a way to glaze the Dodgers again"; "Roki Sasaki is not a damn prospect" - Fans react strongly to Baseball’s Top 10 prospects list

Roki Sasaki's signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers polarized the baseball community, with some accepting that the move would help the young Japanese pitcher's career, while others started spreading the 'Dodger Evil Empire' narrative. Now there is expected to be further scrutiny from non-Dodgers fans, as Sasaki was technically termed as a prospect by MLB Pipeline.

Both the MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, had to accept Sasaki as a legitimate prospect because he was offered an MiLB contract. As per league rules, the 23-year-old had to be signed under the international bonus pool contract because he is yet to turn 25, the age when one can directly be a free agent. He topped the MLB Pipeline's top 10 rankings on Friday and fans quickly reacted to it.

"How is Roki Sasaki a prospect when he was a free agent signing? MLB finding a way to glaze the Dodgers again," a fan said.

"In what universe is Sasaki a prospect 😭😭😭," a fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans.

"Roman Anthony the real No. 1," a fan said.

"Roki Sasaki being #1, or even on this list at all is a joke. He was an international free agent and is an automatic opening day roster spot. Never pitched a single strike, ball, or otherwise in the minor leagues," another fan said.

"No different than when Ichiro was voted rookie of the year in 2001," a fan said.

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What are the perks for Sasaki as a prospect for the Dodgers?

The MLB's Prospect Promotion Incentive (PPI) program will help the Los Angeles Dodgers now that Roki Sasaki has been termed as a prospect. They could benefit with a particular draft pick based on the varying nature of Sasaki's achievements throughout the season.

To be eligible, a player has to be a rookie at the start of the season, play 100 days in the league and appear on the Top 100 prospects list of MLB Pipeline, ESPN or Baseball America.

Foreign professionals aged under 25 are also eligible and so if Sasaki is promoted directly to the Opening Day roster, the Dodgers will earn a high draft pick. It could only improve if Sasaki wins the Rookie of the Year award or comes in the top three for Cy Young voting.