Dodgers Under Fire! Roki Sasaki’s Bombshell Sparks Investigation into LA’s Signing Practices
The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes was over.
Sasaki announced via Instagram that he was signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers had been considered the favorites for his services since he was posted and had scouted Sasaki since 2019. His decision to join the star-studded Dodgers was hardly a surprise.
However, Sasaki’s time with the Dodgers might be short-lived. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden said on “Foul Territory” that “several front offices” believe the Dodgers and Sasaki had a deal in place before he was posted. Bowden further stated that he feels several teams will ask the league to investigate the signing.
Rumors of tampering and a secret deal between the Dodgers and Sasaki began before the Japanese phenom was posted. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, was emphatic in his denial of those accusations. However, Evan Drellich of The Athletic reported that commissioner Rob Manfred said the league would investigate the Dodgers if necessary.
Teams are understandably disappointed about missing out on Sasaki. He was the consensus top international prospect available, a potential frontline starter who is ready to step into a major league rotation immediately. Signing with the Dodgers, who already have a dominant roster, only made the sting of losing out that much worse.
