To Win the Roki Sasaki Bidding War, the Dodgers and Padres Go to Extreme Measures
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, two of the most competitive and financially capable teams in Major League Baseball, have long been rivals, not only on the field but also in the battle for elite talent. The current bidding war over Roki Sasaki, one of the most highly sought-after pitching prospects in baseball, has escalated to unprecedented heights, with both teams willing to go to extreme lengths to secure the Japanese sensation for their respective rosters. The 2025 offseason has become a showcase of both teams’ aggressive strategies, creating a spectacle that has captured the attention of fans, pundits, and front-office executives around the league.
Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander, has been dazzling scouts and experts ever since his breakout performances with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan’s NPB. With a fastball that regularly touches triple digits, a devastating splitter, and an already-polished slider, Sasaki’s potential is unmatched. His dominance in the Japanese leagues, combined with his poise on the mound and his already developed arsenal, has made him one of the most coveted international free agents in recent memory. The Dodgers and Padres, both teams in their own right vying for supremacy in the National League, know that securing Sasaki could be the missing piece in their rotation and a move that could significantly impact their chances at a championship in 2025 and beyond.
What began as a typical bidding war for a highly-touted international free agent has quickly turned into a fierce contest of wills, with both teams using every resource at their disposal—financial power, player development programs, and even more unconventional tactics—to try to one-up the other in this high-stakes competition.
The Dodgers’ Approach: A History of Success and Financial Power
The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to big-ticket acquisitions, and they have a well-established reputation for signing high-profile players. From their blockbuster signing of Mookie Betts to their pursuit of top-tier pitchers like Max Scherzer, the Dodgers are known for their willingness to spend big in order to build a championship-caliber team. The 2025 offseason is no different as the Dodgers have made it clear that they are fully invested in bringing Sasaki to Southern California.
At the core of the Dodgers’ strategy to land Sasaki is their commitment to player development. The organization has long been considered one of the best in terms of developing young talent, particularly pitchers. The Dodgers’ renowned Player Development Department has earned a reputation for cultivating some of the best arms in the game, with success stories like Walker Buehler, Julio Urías, and Dustin May providing the blueprint for how they can develop Sasaki into an even greater force on the mound.
But it’s not just about player development—it’s about the financial might of the Dodgers as well. With one of the highest payrolls in baseball, the Dodgers can afford to make a serious run at Sasaki’s signing bonus and salary, outbidding most other teams in the market. The Dodgers’ willingness to go after the top players, combined with their recent World Series success and a roster that is already filled with established stars, makes them an attractive destination for Sasaki. In an offseason where many teams are tightening their belts, the Dodgers stand as one of the few clubs with the resources to meet or exceed Sasaki’s asking price.
Additionally, the Dodgers have the appeal of Los Angeles, a city that has become a beacon for players seeking not only financial success but also a lifestyle and spotlight that is unmatched in professional sports. For Sasaki, a young international star, the opportunity to play for the Dodgers, alongside established legends and emerging talents, offers a platform that few other teams can match.
To sweeten the deal, the Dodgers have reportedly been offering Sasaki’s team in Japan, the Chiba Lotte Marines, a comprehensive support package, which includes long-term collaborations between the teams, access to Los Angeles’ world-class training facilities, and the opportunity for Chiba Lotte players and coaches to spend time with the Dodgers during spring training. The Dodgers are well aware of the importance of maintaining good relationships with the international baseball community, and this approach could serve to tip the scales in their favor.
The Padres’ Approach: A High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy
Not to be outdone, the San Diego Padres have matched the Dodgers’ financial resources and added their own twist to the bidding war. Known for their aggressive front office led by A.J. Preller, the Padres have shown a willingness to make high-stakes moves to elevate their roster. With a team that already boasts a powerful core of players, including Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Yu Darvish, the Padres are keen to add a dynamic pitcher like Sasaki to the mix. The Padres believe that Sasaki could be the key to taking their already-impressive rotation to another level and helping them capture a long-awaited World Series title.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Padres’ approach is their willingness to get creative. Unlike the Dodgers, who have a track record of focusing on player development and financial might, the Padres have employed a more personality-driven pitch to win Sasaki’s heart. With Darvish, who has been a mentor to young Japanese pitchers, already in their rotation, the Padres are positioning themselves as the team that can offer Sasaki not only a competitive environment but also a built-in support system. Darvish’s presence on the team could help ease the transition for Sasaki, offering a familiar face and a bridge between the Japanese leagues and the MLB.
Moreover, the Padres have been working hard to build a culture of inclusivity for international players. They have developed a reputation for being a team that supports their international talent and gives players the freedom to express themselves both on and off the field. The Padres’ front office believes that by emphasizing their commitment to international stars like Sasaki, they can make the case that San Diego is the best fit for him in terms of both opportunity and comfort.
In addition to their player-focused strategy, the Padres have upped the ante by offering Sasaki an exclusive sponsorship deal with several high-end brands located in San Diego. These deals, worth millions of dollars, would not only enhance Sasaki’s earning potential but also solidify his status as a global baseball ambassador. The Padres have also extended an invitation for Sasaki to participate in various community outreach programs in San Diego, giving him the chance to build his brand and connect with the local fanbase.
With this multifaceted approach, the Padres are not just fighting the Dodgers on the financial front but are trying to offer Sasaki something intangible: the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than just a team—a chance to be a part of a rapidly growing baseball culture that embraces international players as cornerstones of its identity.
Extreme Measures: The Push for Sasaki
As the bidding war intensifies, both the Dodgers and Padres have gone to extreme measures to secure Sasaki’s signature. On top of their extensive financial offers, each team has provided additional perks aimed at wooing the young pitcher.
For the Dodgers, they are reportedly offering Sasaki a lucrative post-retirement role within the organization, potentially involving ambassadorial duties, coaching roles, or a position in player development. The Dodgers have long had a reputation for taking care of their players long after their playing careers are over, and they are hoping that this added security and future prospects will appeal to Sasaki as he weighs his options.
Meanwhile, the Padres have promised to include Sasaki in an exclusive pitching development program aimed at maximizing his already considerable talent. Under the guidance of some of the best pitching minds in the game, Sasaki would receive tailored workouts and training designed to refine his mechanics and prepare him for the highest level of competition. This program has been presented as a way to ensure that Sasaki not only succeeds in the MLB but also reaches his full potential and becomes a cornerstone of the Padres’ pitching staff for years to come.
The Padres have also made arrangements to send Sasaki’s family to San Diego, offering them a comprehensive relocation package, as well as helping them settle into the community. This attention to detail is part of the Padres’ strategy to make Sasaki feel like a part of the family and to ensure that his transition to MLB life is as smooth as possible.
The Impact of Sasaki’s Decision
As both teams continue to ramp up their efforts to win Sasaki’s services, the impact of his decision will be felt across the baseball landscape. If Sasaki chooses the Dodgers, the team could solidify their already-elite rotation, potentially making them the favorites to win the World Series in 2025. On the other hand, if Sasaki chooses the Padres, it would signal a massive coup for an organization that is looking to establish itself as a perennial contender in the National League. Both teams are betting that Sasaki’s addition could be the key to taking their already-competitive rosters to the next level, and their extreme efforts reflect just how much they believe in his potential.
Ultimately, Sasaki’s decision will have long-lasting ramifications for the future of the Dodgers and Padres. As the bidding war continues to unfold, all eyes will remain on the young Japanese sensation, waiting to see which team will emerge victorious and land the prized pitcher. For now, baseball fans can only watch as two of the league’s most ambitious teams go to extreme lengths to secure their future ace.