Just over a year ago, the Toronto Blue Jays appeared to be on the verge of landing one of the most exciting pitchers in the world: Roki Sasaki.
Instead, the Japanese right-hander ultimately chose the Los Angeles Dodgers, delivering a familiar disappointment for Toronto fans who had already watched Shohei Ohtani make the same decision a year earlier.
At the time, the move felt like another crushing near-miss. But with Sasaki’s early MLB career off to an uneven start, the situation is beginning to look very different.
A Disappointing First MLB Season
Mar 3, 2026; Goodyear, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the third inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Sasaki’s debut season in 2025 didn’t unfold the way either he or the Dodgers likely envisioned.
In 10 appearances, he posted:
- 4.46 ERA
- 36.1 innings pitched
- 28 strikeouts and 22 walks
While opponents hit just .235 BABIP against him, the quality of contact was concerning. Hitters produced a 45.8% hard-hit rate, well above the league average of about 41%, and an average exit velocity of 90.6 mph.
Injuries also limited Sasaki’s availability, keeping him on the injured list for much of the season.
Playoff Redemption From the Bullpen
Despite his regular-season struggles, Sasaki played a key role in the Dodgers’ World Series run.
The team shifted him to the bullpen during the postseason, where he thrived in a relief role. Across nine playoff appearances, he recorded:
- 3 saves
- 10.1 innings pitched
- 1 earned run allowed
Although his strikeout-to-walk ratio remained modest (6 strikeouts to 5 walks), he proved capable of limiting damage in high-leverage situations.
That strong postseason showing created hope that Sasaki could rebound entering 2026.
A Rough Start to 2026 Spring Training
So far, however, spring training hasn’t provided much reassurance.
In his first spring appearance, Sasaki allowed:
- 3 runs
- 3 hits
- 2 walks
across 1.1 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks, throwing only 17 strikes out of 36 pitches.
His next outing was even rougher. Facing the Cleveland Guardians, Sasaki issued three walks and surrendered a grand slam to Kyle Manzardo before recording an out. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts removed him immediately.
Spring training rules allowed Sasaki to reenter the game later, and he responded with two clean innings while striking out multiple batters — a reminder of the electric talent that originally made him such a coveted pitcher.
Toronto’s Rotation Looks Strong Without Him
At 24 years old, Sasaki still has plenty of time to develop into the ace many scouts projected. But his early struggles highlight just how uncertain pitching prospects can be.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have built a deep and talented rotation, including arms such as Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and Cody Ponce.
That depth could ultimately make Toronto more stable than if they had invested heavily in a pitcher still adjusting to the major leagues.
A Miss That Might Become a Win
At the time, losing out on Sasaki felt like another painful blow for the Blue Jays.
But baseball has a way of changing narratives over time.
If Sasaki continues to struggle while Toronto’s rotation thrives, what once seemed like a major loss could eventually look like a fortunate miss — and perhaps even a long-term victory for the Blue Jays. ⚾
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