The anticipation surrounding Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki’s potential move to MLB continues to grow. The Los Angeles Dodgers are emerging as the favorite to secure his services.

According to industry sources, Sasaki has already decided where he wants to sign, with the Dodgers considered the “most likely” destination.

“Industry belief is that Roki Sasaki has already chosen where he wants to sign, with the ‘most likely’ choice being the Dodgers, per Buster Olney,” BRWalkoff reported on X, formerly Twitter.

Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander, is expected to be posted for MLB free agency soon and officially eligible to sign during the 2025 international signing period, which begins January 15.

Despite already signing Blake Snell to a five-year deal, the Dodgers remain in pursuit of Sasaki, underscoring their commitment to bolstering their starting rotation.

The Dodgers have long been speculated as Sasaki’s preferred destination due to their successful track record, geographical location, and ties to Japanese baseball stars.

A reunion with 2023 World Baseball Classic teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto could also attract Sasaki to Los Angeles.

Roki Sasaki appears headed to the Dodgers, who have more pitchers than they know what to do with

ESPN’s Buster Olney compared the situation to Shohei Ohtani’s initial posting process in 2017, saying, “Teams will prepare their pitches and presentations, but there is widespread industry belief—correct or not—that Sasaki has probably already picked a team, and it’s most likely the Dodgers.”