“I’ll Take a Pay Cut. I’ll Prove I’m a Good Fit. Please Let Me Stay” — Roki Sasaki’s Emotional Plea to Remain with the Dodgers
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a rare and deeply emotional moment, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki made a heartfelt public plea to remain a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers, amid swirling rumors that the team may part ways with him following a challenging first stretch in Major League Baseball. The 23-year-old right-hander, once hailed as a generational talent, is now fighting not just for a spot on the roster — but for a place he calls home.
“I’ll take a pay cut. I’ll prove I’m a good fit for the team. Please… let me stay,” Sasaki told reporters after Tuesday’s game, his voice cracking with emotion. “I came here to give everything. I just need more time.”
⚾ A Rocky Transition, But Not Without Promise
Sasaki joined the Dodgers in early 2025 with immense fanfare, following an electric career in Nippon Professional Baseball, where he dominated hitters with a 100+ mph fastball and nearly untouchable splitter. Nicknamed “The Monster of the Reiwa Era,” Sasaki was seen as a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ future rotation.
However, adjusting to Major League Baseball has proven more difficult than expected. Through his first handful of starts, he’s struggled with command and consistency, leading to inflated ERA numbers and shortened outings. While some critics have been quick to question the hype, teammates and coaches have maintained faith in his potential.
“It’s a different league, different hitters, different rhythm,” said Dodgers catcher Will Smith. “Roki’s stuff is elite. He’s just adjusting — and he will.”
🧠 More Than Baseball
What makes Sasaki’s situation so poignant is the immense pressure he carries, not just as a ballplayer, but as a national icon. In Japan, his move to MLB was covered like a royal departure. In Los Angeles, he has become a symbol of cultural pride and international aspiration.
Behind the scenes, sources say Sasaki has been working tirelessly to adapt. He’s been studying tape late into the night, adjusting to a new pitching coach, and even taking intensive English lessons to better connect with teammates and fans.
“He doesn’t complain,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He shows up every day hungry to get better. That’s the kind of player every team wants.”
💬 A Public Plea
Sasaki’s comments came amid mounting speculation that the Dodgers were considering a demotion to the minors or even exploring trade possibilities to clear roster space and payroll flexibility. The pitcher’s agent had reportedly initiated early talks about potential restructuring — but no concrete decisions have been made.
Instead of waiting for decisions to be made behind closed doors, Sasaki decided to speak from the heart.
“This team welcomed me. This city welcomed me. I feel like I haven’t shown my best yet — but I will,” Sasaki said. “Just let me stay. I’ll earn my place.”
🧢 The Clubhouse Reacts
The emotional plea struck a chord inside the Dodgers’ clubhouse. Several veteran players have since spoken out in support of Sasaki, calling on management to give him the runway he needs.
“The kid’s got heart. He’s one of us,” said Mookie Betts. “Every great pitcher struggles at some point. It’s how you respond that matters — and Roki’s response shows who he is.”
Even Shohei Ohtani, Sasaki’s Japanese compatriot and mentor, expressed support.
“I know how hard it is to come here and carry expectations. He’s working harder than anyone. He deserves time — and he deserves trust,” Ohtani said in a postgame interview.
👥 Fans Rally Behind Him
As Sasaki’s emotional speech spread across social media, the fan response was overwhelmingly supportive. The hashtag #StaySasaki began trending within hours, with fans across both the U.S. and Japan urging the Dodgers to keep faith in the young star.
Many shared memories of his historic perfect game in Japan, or posted videos of young fans wearing his jersey at Dodger Stadium. Some even wrote open letters to Dodgers management, calling Sasaki “the future.”
🔮 What’s Next?
As of this writing, the Dodgers’ front office has not issued a formal statement regarding Sasaki’s status. But team insiders indicate that the club may be open to renegotiating parts of his current deal and giving him more developmental support — potentially including a brief stint in Triple-A.
Whether that comes to pass or not, one thing is clear: Roki Sasaki is not ready to give up.
“I didn’t come here to be a star. I came here to become the best pitcher I can be — for this team, for these fans, and for this city,” Sasaki said.
❤️ A Reminder of the Human Side of the Game
Sasaki’s emotional words reminded everyone — players, coaches, fans, and media — that beneath the numbers and headlines are human beings, driven by dreams, pride, and the desire to belong.
Whether or not the Dodgers choose to retain him in the immediate future, Roki Sasaki’s vulnerability and determination have already made him something more than just a pitcher — he’s become a symbol of perseverance, humility, and heart.
And in the City of Angels, that may be the most fitting role of all.
