Los Angeles Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations, Andrew Friedman, has unveiled a strategic initiative to enhance the team’s global brand by pairing Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. This move aims to capitalize on the immense popularity of both players, particularly within the Japanese market, thereby strengthening the Dodgers’ international presence.
In December 2023, the Dodgers made a historic move by signing Ohtani to a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract, marking the largest deal in professional sports history. Ohtani’s inaugural season with the Dodgers in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. Despite being sidelined from pitching due to an elbow injury sustained in late 2023, he made an indelible impact as a designated hitter. Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to achieve the remarkable feat of hitting over 50 home runs and stealing more than 50 bases in a single season. He concluded the season with a .310 batting average, leading the league with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs, alongside 59 stolen bases. His exceptional performance earned him the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award unanimously.
Building on this momentum, the Dodgers secured the services of Rōki Sasaki, a highly touted Japanese pitcher, in early 2025. Sasaki, renowned for his exceptional pitching prowess, is expected to bolster the Dodgers’ rotation significantly. His addition not only enhances the team’s on-field capabilities but also aligns with Friedman’s vision of creating a formidable duo with Ohtani, thereby amplifying the Dodgers’ appeal in the Asian market.
The Dodgers’ aggressive approach in assembling a star-studded roster has been evident in their financial commitments. The team’s payroll has escalated to approximately $392 million, excluding an additional projected luxury tax of $140 million. This substantial investment underscores .
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