Roki Sasaki, the dynamic Japanese pitcher, has quickly become a focal point in Major League Baseball's 2025 season. Making his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers after a highly anticipated move from Nippon Professional Baseball, Sasaki is now working to adjust his talents to the demands of MLB. With high expectations surrounding his arrival, fans and analysts alike are closely tracking his progress and challenges on the mound.

Transitioning to the Majors: Early Performance and Expectations

Roki Sasaki entered the league with immense potential, considered by many as one of the world’s top young pitchers. However, the transition hasn't been without hurdles. According to Sports Illustrated’s coverage, experts noted that, despite his talent, Sasaki is “by no means a finished product.” His determination to excel in the U.S. is clear, but six weeks into the season, some believe he has not fully met the high expectations set during the offseason.

In his first seven MLB starts, Sasaki posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.451 WHIP. While those numbers might not be what fans hoped, especially given the hype, there are encouraging signs. Sasaki struggled in his debut outings but has since made strides in his command and poise. The Dodgers’ patience reflects their belief in his long-term potential.

Velocity Questions: Why Isn’t Sasaki Throwing 100 MPH Anymore?

A point of intrigue this season has been Sasaki’s fastball velocity. Known in Japan for routinely touching triple digits, fans noticed his average fastball now sits around 94-96 mph. Dodgers Nation revealed that this change was intentional. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior explained that increasing velocity affected Sasaki’s pitch command in his early MLB outings. To improve his control and adaptation to MLB hitters, the pitcher has focused on quality over sheer speed, sometimes at the expense of velocity.

Sasaki himself acknowledged he is "not exactly satisfied" with his fastball but is working to use his full arsenal, including his highly effective slider and splitter. This strategic adjustment is typical for young pitchers adapting to MLB’s different demands and is a part of Sasaki’s ongoing development.

Fastball Effectiveness and Areas for Growth

Despite the attention on his speed, Sasaki’s fastball performance has faced scrutiny for another reason: its lack of swing-and-miss results. As CBS Sports details, only one MLB pitcher registers a lower whiff rate on the four-seamer than Sasaki this season. This is notable since his fastball velocity is high, but its "shape"—the movement and spin—has not yet translated to dominance.

However, the Dodgers are recognized for developing pitchers, and both team and player are committed to growth. The best version of Sasaki may still be a year or two away, as both mechanics and mental adjustments are often gradual. The team’s strategy is to allow him to learn on the job, confident his world-class talent will emerge as he acclimates to major league hitters and routines.

What’s Next for Roki Sasaki?

As the season advances, Roki Sasaki’s journey offers a blend of promise and learning experiences. He’s already shown resilience and a willingness to adapt, hallmarks of future success. While the results have yet to match the sky-high anticipation, fans should find encouragement in his steady progress.

Patience will be essential. With continued support from the Dodgers organization—and his own relentless drive—Roki Sasaki is well-positioned to evolve into the exceptional pitcher many predicted he would become. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting rookie writes the next chapters of his MLB career.

If you’re eager to delve further into Sasaki’s MLB transition, his velocity trends, and deeper pitching analytics, check out these comprehensive reads:

• Dodgers' Roki Sasaki Named One of Biggest Disappointments of 2025 Season Thus Far
• Dodgers Pitching Coach Reveals Why Roki Sasaki Isn't Throwing 100 MPH Anymore
• MLB trends: Roki Sasaki's failed fastball, Jordan Walker's developing defense and the magic of playing at home