Roki Sasaki’s Unconventional Rookie Year Sets Stage for 2026

Roki Sasaki’s first year with the Los Angeles Dodgers was anything but typical. The highly touted international signing, widely compared to Shohei Ohtani, arrived with sky-high expectations, particularly from Canadian fans following his near-move to the Blue Jays. But Sasaki’s debut was immediately hampered by a right shoulder impingement, landing him on the long-term injured list early in the season.

Despite the setback, Sasaki staged an unexpected turnaround. Moving to the bullpen in Triple-A Oklahoma City, he found success as a reliever, a surprising role given his career in Japan was exclusively as a starter. His dominant performance down the stretch earned him a spot in the Dodgers’ playoff roster, where he became the team’s de facto closer during their postseason run.

Sasaki’s ability to adjust and excel in an unfamiliar role culminated in a World Series championship, adding a remarkable achievement to his first-year résumé. The postseason highlighted his potential, even if his fastball velocity was inconsistent, forcing him to rely heavily on his splitter to neutralize hitters.

Looking ahead, the focus for 2026 is clear: Sasaki must improve his fastball to succeed as a starter. The Dodgers’ coaching staff believes that refining his mechanics and maintaining health will be key factors in unlocking his full potential on the mound.

1. Mechanics and Velocity: Keys to Success

According to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, Sasaki’s transformation in midseason was rooted in mechanical adjustments. By emphasizing the use of his lower body, Sasaki regained some of the velocity lost due to injury, allowing his fastball to stay competitive in the strike zone. These adjustments not only improved his fastball but also enhanced the effectiveness of his splitter. When a pitcher can place a fastball consistently, secondary pitches like Sasaki’s splitter become more difficult for hitters to read, creating a stronger overall arsenal. Ardaya notes that even if Sasaki’s new cutter doesn’t develop as hoped, the improved mechanics provide a solid foundation for him to become a reliable starter. The key will be sustaining velocity over a full season while avoiding further injury. With these building blocks in place, the Dodgers can begin shaping Sasaki into a versatile pitcher capable of handling both high-leverage bullpen situations and the demands of a starting rotation.

2. Postseason Promise and Limitations

Sasaki’s playoff performances offered a glimpse of his ceiling. His splitter was dominant, striking out batters in critical moments and helping secure the Dodgers’ championship run. However, his fastball often lacked the velocity needed to consistently challenge hitters, limiting his ability to go multiple innings as a starter. Opposing teams were able to adjust to his slower fastball, highlighting the importance of improving his velocity to set up secondary pitches. Without a dependable fastball, Sasaki may struggle to face the same batters multiple times in a game—a critical requirement for success in the starting rotation. The postseason also demonstrated Sasaki’s adaptability. Transitioning from a struggling starter to a shutdown reliever in a matter of months showcased his mental toughness and willingness to embrace new roles, traits that bode well for his long-term development. Ultimately, while the splitter carried him through October, the fastball remains the missing piece for Sasaki to reach his full potential as a starter in the major leagues.

3. Building Toward a Full-Time Role

Heading into 2026, the Dodgers will focus on maximizing Sasaki’s strengths while addressing the gaps exposed during his rookie campaign. Strengthening his fastball, maintaining health, and fine-tuning his secondary pitches will be priorities in his offseason program. Sasaki’s experience navigating adversity—from injuries to role changes—offers a roadmap for growth. If he can translate his bullpen success into the starting rotation, the Dodgers could gain a frontline starter capable of anchoring their rotation for years to come. Young arms like Sasaki represent the future of the Dodgers, blending raw talent with adaptability and poise under pressure. How quickly he can refine his approach will dictate whether he becomes a postseason mainstay or a bullpen specialist. Chicago or Los Angeles, his story underscores the unpredictability of transitioning from NPB to MLB and the importance of development in a young pitcher’s first full season.