MLB Rumors: How 2 Teams Reacted Upon Learning Roki Sasaki Agreed to Dodgers Contract

MLB teams had a variety of reactions after the Los Angeles Dodgers signed starting pitcher Rōki Sasaki in free agency on Jan. 17, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

"Some of the losing bidders, upon learning of their eliminations, took umbrage," Rosenthal reported Monday. "One club asked for Sasaki to delete the information it presented to him on an iPad, then return the tablet. Sasaki did, according to a source briefed on the process. Another team created a link for its presentation, and canceled the URL upon learning it was out."

Sasaki ultimately joined a Los Angeles team coming off a 2024 World Series victory that also featured multiple familiar faces. Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto were both teammates with the right-hander on the Team Japan roster that won the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

While Sasaki received interest from several teams as a free agent, his list of finalists included the Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays.

It's easy to see why front offices heavily pursued the 23-year-old, as he starred for Nippon Professional Baseball's Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan.

In 64 total NPB appearances, he finished with a 2.10 ERA and 0.894 WHIP to go along with a 29-15 record.

Sasaki has looked sharp in spring training, recording seven strikeouts in seven innings without allowing an earned run through two appearances.

While teams had a variety of recruiting methods planned for Sasaki, he'll make his regular-season debut with the reigning champions.