Roki Sasaki downplays Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto's role in $6,500,000 Dodgers move 

The introductory press conference of Roki Sasaki at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday was attended by several members of the media who were busy finding the reason why the Japanese ace might have decided on the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of other contenders like the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays.

One of the questions revolved around whether the influence of his Team Japan teammates, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who are signed to long-term deals with the club, played a part in his decision to sign with the Dodgers.

"I think the number one thing that stood out was the stability of the front office," Sasaki said via an interpreter.

"It wasn't a priority for me if there was or was not a Japanese player on a team, as I was looking at all the teams. Being able to play with Otani and Yamamoto, both exceptional players, really looking forward to playing with them," Sasaki said in response to another similar question.

"And not just them, but the rest of the team, which is incredibly talented as well. So I hope that I hope and I'm going to work towards making sure that I can stand side by side with them," he added.

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Roki Sasaki reveals conversation he had with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto after deciding on Dodgers

When asked about his communication with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinoby Yamamoto after making his decision, Roki Sasaki said:

"I communicated to them through text message, letting them know that I’m joining the Dodgers. In some shape or form, they said, 'Welcome to the Dodgers.'"

The 23-year-old pitcher, who reportedly signed a minor league contract with a $6,500,000 signing bonus, acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to MLB.

"I know this year I’m going to have a lot of new experiences," Sasaki said. "My goal is, first and foremost, to beat the competition and make sure that I earn a major league contract."

On Wednesday, the Dodgers, whose journey to sign Roki Sasaki began six years ago when the Dodgers’ Pacific Rim scouting team; led by Galen Carr, Ishmael Cruz and John Diebel, first witnessed Sasaki's immense talent while he was pitching in high school in Ofunato, Japan was finally able to land one of the best international free agents from the market in recent times.