The Los Angeles Dodgers shocked many when they signed Rōki Sasaki to high expectations this offseason, envisioning the Japanese pitching phenom as a cornerstone of their rotation. But through eight starts, Sasaki has struggled to deliver, posting a 4.72 ERA before landing on the injured list with a shoulder issue. Now, a surprising idea is emerging: the Dodgers could consider trading Sasaki.
From Star Prospect to Trade Chip
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Sasaki’s struggles have made his role in Los Angeles uncertain. Originally slated as a future ace, the 23-year-old has been sidelined by shoulder impingement and a dip in velocity. During a Triple-A rehab assignment, Sasaki threw two scoreless relief innings, touching triple-digit velocity—a reminder of his upside. But with the Dodgers’ rotation already stocked with Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Emmet Sheehan, there’s limited room for him to develop in Los Angeles.
“Ultimately, he has at least shown that he cannot be counted on or penciled into any formal plans,” wrote Henry Palattella of Dodgers’ Way. “The rotation has been just fine without him… His value as a trade chip may never be as high as it is right now.”
The notion is startling: a player still in his rookie season, barely a few months into his MLB debut, could already be moved for prospects. Yet, the Dodgers’ stacked rotation and ongoing bullpen struggles make this a pragmatic option.
Bullpen Needs Open Door for Sasaki
The trade discussion is fueled in part by the Dodgers’ late-season bullpen issues. Veteran Blake Treinen, a key figure in last year’s World Series run, has struggled with a 5.55 ERA and multiple losses in recent appearances. Manager Dave Roberts is weighing his options carefully: “There’s going to be certain guys that I feel that we’re going to go to in leverage [situations] and certain guys we’re not going to.”
Sasaki’s recent Triple-A outings—two scoreless innings with velocity back in the upper 90s—have prompted the Dodgers to test him as a reliever. If successful, he could help stabilize the bullpen while simultaneously increasing his trade value.
High-Risk, High-Reward Scenario
Trading a top prospect like Sasaki is risky. He remains one of the most talented arms to reach MLB in years, capable of triple-digit heat and dynamic pitching. But with the Dodgers contending for the playoffs, there’s a pressing need for immediate contributions and roster clarity. Moving Sasaki could net high-level prospects or a major league-ready arm while giving the Dodgers flexibility with their existing rotation and bullpen.
As Palattella notes, “It would be a tough pill to swallow a year after the Dodgers signed him, but it may be the best thing for the future of the franchise.” For a team chasing another World Series, sometimes even highly touted talent must be leveraged for immediate advantage.
The Next Step
Whether Sasaki ultimately factors into the postseason as a reliever or becomes a blockbuster trade piece, the Dodgers are exploring every option. The rookie’s season has been rocky, but his upside ensures he remains an asset—either on the mound or as a key bargaining chip. For Los Angeles, the question is no longer just about Sasaki’s development—it’s about the smartest way to maximize his value before October arrives.