What's Happening?
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki, despite a successful 2026 season, has identified his breaking balls as the primary area for improvement heading into 2027. Sasaki had a challenging Spring Training in 2026, struggling with command, but
the Dodgers' coaching staff maintained faith in him. He managed to maintain a steady back-end rotation production, showcasing flashes of great stuff, though command remained an issue. Sasaki found consistency with his splitter in the first half of 2026, which helped him stay afloat. After the All-Star break, he returned with increased fastball velocity, averaging 98 MPH, a significant jump from his previous seasonal average. He posted a 2.83 ERA in 41.1 innings in the second half before a blister cut his workload short. Sasaki also began developing a slider during the season, which showed potential but is still considered far from a great third option.
Why It's Important?
Roki Sasaki's commitment to refining his breaking balls is crucial for his development into an elite starting pitcher. While his fastball and splitter are already effective, adding a consistently strong third pitch, particularly a slider, would significantly enhance his arsenal. This improvement would allow him to offer hitters more diverse looks, making him less predictable and increasing his strikeout potential. For the Dodgers, Sasaki's continued growth is vital for maintaining a strong pitching rotation, especially as they aim for sustained success. A more polished Sasaki could become a front-line starter, reducing the burden on other pitchers and providing the team with a deeper and more formidable pitching staff, which is essential for navigating a long MLB season and potential playoff runs.
What's Next?
Sasaki will focus his offseason training on improving the quality and consistency of his breaking balls, particularly his slider. He aims to elevate these pitches to the same level as his fastball and splitter. The Dodgers' coaching staff will likely work closely with him to refine his mechanics and command, ensuring he can effectively deploy all three pitches. His progress during Spring Training 2027 will be closely monitored, as a significant improvement in his breaking balls could solidify his role as a key component of the Dodgers' rotation. The team will be looking for him to build on his successful 2026 season and translate his potential into consistent high-level performance.
Beyond the Headlines
Sasaki's journey reflects the continuous evolution required of professional athletes, even after achieving initial success. His self-awareness and dedication to improving specific aspects of his game highlight the mental fortitude necessary to excel at the highest level. The Dodgers' investment in his development, despite early struggles, underscores the importance of patience and belief in talent. This focus on refining secondary pitches is a common trajectory for many young pitchers who enter the league with dominant fastballs but need to diversify their repertoire to remain effective against increasingly sophisticated hitters. Sasaki's success in this endeavor could serve as a model for other young pitchers striving to reach their full potential.
