Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Roki Sasaki Sends Message After First Season With Dodgers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 11:53 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers had plenty of contributors as they captured their second straight World Series title in 2025, but one of the more surprising heroes was right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki.

The 24-year-old Japanese phenom emerged as manager Dave Roberts’ go-to option to close out postseason games, delivering dominant performances under the brightest lights.

Sasaki posted a sparkling 0.84 ERA across nine appearances, striking out six and recording three saves. His rise to the closer role was especially impressive given the adversity he faced earlier in the year.

A right shoulder impingement sidelined him for months, limiting his velocity and command during rehab assignments and raising questions about whether he could contribute down the stretch.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Yet Sasaki returned in September with renewed sharpness, flashing his trademark fastball and splitter combination out of the bullpen. That late-season surge earned him the trust of Roberts and his teammates, who leaned on him in October.

On Tuesday, Sasaki took to social media to reflect on his 2025 season. “Thank you for the 2025 season. To all of the fans, all of your incredible support gave me strength — thank you so much,” he wrote on Instagram.

“Also, I am very thankful for everyone who has been there by my side and gave me their full support, even through tough times. I will work very hard to contribute to the team for the entire season next year. See you all next year .”

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Looking ahead to 2026, Sasaki has made it clear that his goal is to return to the rotation and establish himself as a full-time starting pitcher rather than a reliever.

He struggled to find consistency in that role last year, finishing with a 4.72 ERA across eight regular-season starts. Sasaki hopes this time will be different, with a full offseason to build strength and refine his mechanics.

One of the key storylines will be whether his velocity can stabilize, as it fluctuated during 2025 following his shoulder injury.

If he can regain the dominant fastball that made him a sensation in Japan and pair it with his devastating splitter over longer outings, Sasaki could transform from a postseason weapon into a reliable rotation piece.

That would give the Dodgers yet another high-end arm to lean on in their pursuit of a third straight championship.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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