Roki Sasaki's Dodgers move garners 3-word hype reaction from Alex Vesia; Freddie Freeman reacts

The uncertainty around international free agent Roki Sasaki ended on Friday after the Japanese sensation announced his decision to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The reigning World Series winners were one of three teams in hot pursuit of the 23-year-old Japanese hurler, who was posted by the NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines.

Roki Sasaki announced his decision in an Instagram post with a picture of a Dodgers cap. World Series MVP and Dodgers star Freddie Freeman reacted to the news by sharing Sasaki's post in his Instagram story. Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia also posted a story for Sasaki, writing:

"Now we go!!!"

(Image source - IG)

(Image source - Freddie Freeman's IG)

According to The Athletic, Roki Sasaki will earn a $6.5 million signing bonus with a rookie salary in 2025. The former NPB star is under 25 years of age, making him an amateur international free agent and allowing the Dodgers six years of club control.

While the Dodgers have reportedly won the race for Sasaki, NL rivals, San Diego Padres, were also one of the favorites for the young ace. The Toronto Blue Jays were the third team involved in Sasaki's sweepstakes and were understood to be the finalists with the Dodgers after the Padres were ruled out of the race early on Friday.

This isn't the first time the Blue Jays have missed out on a coveted Japanese free agent as Toronto missed out on three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani in 2023, who also chose the Dodgers.

Roki Sasaki's decision reportedly influenced by Japanese ace

With national teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the roster, the Dodgers were expected to add another Japanese star to mix in Roki Sasaki.

However, Sasaki's admiration for 'mentor' Yu Darvish made San Diego a contender for the Japanese international. But as it turned out, it was Yamamoto's influence that reportedly swayed Sasaki in favor of a move to LA.

MLB insider Jon Morosi reported Yamamoto had a decisive conversation with Sasaki in the lead-up to his announcement.

"I was told in the last 24 hours that a really key conversation in the midst of the courtship of Sasaki came between Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki," Morosi said.

The Dodgers rotation will feature three Japanese arms; Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, along with two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow.