Despite the Japanese decision, the Dodgers’ star pitcher made every effort to sign Roki Sasaki.

Everyone is doing their part to try and bring the pitcher to their team, but Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow has revealed that he attempted to recruit Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki to join the Dodgers. Speaking on Foul Territory TV, Glasnow recounted his recruitment efforts, which involved reaching out to Sasaki through their mutual agent, Joel Wolfe, and delivering a persuasive pitch over the phone.

Glasnow, who joined the Dodgers in a trade last offseason, emphasized the organization’s renowned pitching development program as a key selling point. He shared his conversation with Sasaki, saying. “I told him something like I hadn’t played for the other two organizations, but if one of your main goals is to become the best pitcher you can be, in terms of development and all that, in terms of scouting reports and all that, I said ‘This is the place for you’.”

Roki Sasaki, known for his remarkable achievements with the Chiba Lotte Marines, including a perfect game with 19 strikeouts in 2022, is one of the most coveted free agents in the current offseason. The Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly the top contenders vying for Sasaki’s signature.

Doing everything possible to get him

Tyler Glasnow’s recruitment effort underscores the Dodgers’ determination to secure Sasaki’s talents and enhance their pitching staff. Sasaki, who turned 22 this past November, will reportedly not be subject to a posting fee, meaning the winning team will not have to pay his Japanese League team.

The addition of Sasaki would potentially solidify the Dodgers’ rotation and bolster their championship aspirations. As the January 23 deadline approaches for Sasaki to make his decision, the baseball world watches with keen interest. Glasnow’s pitch to Sasaki adds an intriguing dimension to the unfolding drama and highlights the personal connections that can influence such high-stakes decisions.

The Dodgers’ pursuit of Sasaki reflects their commitment to maintaining their competitive edge and nurturing top talent. As fans eagerly await Sasaki’s decision, Glasnow’s recruitment efforts have already added a memorable chapter to the offseason narrative.