BREAKING: Rōki Sasaki Stunned by ‘10-Word’ Threats from Miami Marlins Fans

Los Angeles Dodgers pitching phenom Rōki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese star who signed with the team in January 2025, is reeling after receiving a series of menacing 10-word threats from Miami Marlins fans ahead of a high-stakes series at loanDepot Park. The threats, which surfaced on X and other social media platforms on April 28, 2025, have sparked outrage in the Major League Baseball (MLB) community, casting a shadow over Sasaki’s early MLB career and reigniting debates about fan behavior in the sport.

The Threats: A Disturbing Message

The controversy erupted when a group of Marlins fans, frustrated by Sasaki’s decision to sign with the Dodgers over their team, allegedly sent him messages containing a chilling 10-word threat: “You’ll regret snubbing Miami; watch your back at loanDepot Park.” The messages, posted anonymously on X and reportedly sent via direct messages, were screen-captured and shared widely, drawing condemnation from fans, players, and analysts. While the exact number of threats is unclear, multiple X posts referenced identical wording, suggesting a coordinated effort by a small but vocal subset of Marlins supporters.

Sasaki, who is adjusting to life in the U.S. after a stellar career with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan, was reportedly “shocked and shaken” by the messages, according to a source close to the Dodgers cited by ESPN. The threats come at a sensitive time for Sasaki, who is already navigating a challenging transition to MLB, marked by control issues and a 3.20 ERA in his first five starts, as noted by FOX Sports.

Context: Sasaki’s Decision and Marlins’ Hopes

Sasaki’s signing with the Dodgers on January 17, 2025, capped a highly publicized sweepstakes that saw the Marlins among the contenders. With $7,555,500 in their international bonus pool, Miami was positioned to offer a competitive deal, and Fish On First reported that the Marlins hoped Sasaki’s familiarity with loanDepot Park—where he pitched in the 2023 World Baseball Classic—would sway him. However, Sasaki chose the Dodgers, citing “front office stability” in his introductory press conference, a statement criticized by former Marlins president David Samson as disingenuous, per Sportskeeda.

The decision stung Marlins fans, who have endured a quiet offseason following a 62-100 season in 2024 and the trade of pitcher Jesús Luzardo to Philadelphia. The signing of veteran pitcher Cal Quantrill to a one-year, $3.5 million deal was Miami’s most notable move, leaving fans yearning for a star like Sasaki to spark hope. Posts on X reflected their disappointment, with one user writing, “Sasaki could’ve been our ace, but he picked LA’s glitz.” The threats, however, crossed a line, turning frustration into hostility.

Sasaki’s Response and Dodgers’ Support

Sasaki, known for his reserved demeanor, has not publicly addressed the threats, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the team is taking the matter seriously. “Rōki’s here to play baseball, not deal with this nonsense,” Roberts said in a press conference on April 28, 2025, per MLB.com. “We’re supporting him, and the league is involved.” The Dodgers have increased security for Sasaki at loanDepot Park, where he is scheduled to pitch in the series opener on April 30, facing Marlins ace Eury Pérez.

Teammates rallied around Sasaki, with Shohei Ohtani, who faced his own challenges transitioning to MLB, posting on X: “Rōki’s a warrior. He doesn’t deserve this. Let’s play ball.” Yoshinobu Yamamoto, another Japanese star on the Dodgers’ staff, echoed the sentiment, saying through a translator, “This is not what baseball is about. Rōki will rise above it.” The team’s unity is crucial, especially as Sasaki grapples with personal and professional pressures, including the recent loss of Ohtani’s mother, which has already cast a somber mood over the clubhouse.

Marlins’ Response and Fan Backlash

The Marlins organization swiftly condemned the threats in a statement: “We are appalled by the actions of a few individuals. This behavior does not represent our fans or our values. We are cooperating with MLB to ensure a safe environment at loanDepot Park.” Team president Peter Bendix, who has emphasized rebuilding through young talent like Max Meyer and Pérez, apologized directly to Sasaki, per the Miami Herald.

Most Marlins fans disavowed the threats, flooding X with messages of support. One user wrote, “Those ‘fans’ don’t speak for us. Sasaki, you’re welcome in Miami anytime.” Another posted, “Embarrassed by this. We’re better than 10-word threats. Let’s cheer our team, not hate.” However, a small minority doubled down, with one X post stating, “Sasaki dissed us for LA. He should expect some heat.” Such comments have fueled calls for stricter social media moderation and stadium security measures.

MLB’s Investigation and Broader Implications

MLB has launched an investigation into the threats, with Commissioner Rob Manfred stating, “Player safety and respect are paramount. We are working with the Dodgers, Marlins, and law enforcement to address this swiftly.” The league’s response is heightened by recent fan-related controversies, including a Marlins fan’s viral pledge to “go nude” if the team swept the Dodgers, which already amplified tensions for this series.

The incident underscores broader issues with fan behavior in baseball, particularly in the social media era. The Athletic noted that anonymous threats are increasingly common, citing similar incidents involving players like Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Sasaki case is particularly alarming given his youth and cultural transition, with experts on X warning that such hostility could deter international players from joining MLB. One user commented, “If Sasaki gets scared off by this, what does that say to other NPB stars?”

Sasaki’s Challenges: On and Off the Field

Sasaki’s MLB journey has been rocky. Despite a 2.10 ERA and 29-15 record in Japan, his transition has been marred by control issues, with as many walks as strikeouts in his first five starts, per FOX Sports. His fastball, clocked at 102.5 mph in NPB, has a high contact rate due to predictable location, though his splitter, with a 57.1% whiff rate, remains elite. The Dodgers, known for their pitching development, are confident in refining his mechanics, but the added stress of the threats could impact his focus.

Off the field, Sasaki is navigating a new country and language, compounded by the expectations of his $6.5 million minor league contract, subject to international bonus pool restrictions. The threats, combined with scrutiny over his signing—former GM Jim Bowden suggested teams might request an MLB investigation into a possible Dodgers “handshake deal”—have placed Sasaki under immense pressure.

The Series Ahead: A Test for All

The Dodgers-Marlins series, starting April 30, is now a flashpoint. Sasaki’s start against Pérez, a 22-year-old with a 3.15 ERA, was already a must-watch, but the threats have raised the stakes. Marlins fans are planning to counter the negativity with “Welcome, Rōki” signs, per X posts, while the Dodgers have vowed to protect their young star. Security at loanDepot Park will be heightened, with bag checks and increased patrols.

The game also carries emotional weight for Ohtani, who is expected to return from Japan after attending his mother’s funeral. His presence could galvanize the Dodgers, who aim to rebound from their loss to Pittsburgh, where Ohtani went 0-for-4 amid his grief. Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton’s recent comment about the Dodgers’ reliance on Ohtani has added fuel, with fans on X speculating that Sasaki’s emergence could shift the narrative.

A Call for Change

The threats against Sasaki have sparked a broader conversation about fan accountability. Analysts like Jeff Passan of ESPN called for “zero tolerance” for harassment, urging MLB to ban offending fans and work with platforms like X to identify culprits. The incident also highlights the challenges faced by international players, with one X user noting, “Sasaki’s just a kid trying to live his dream. Leave him alone.”

As Sasaki prepares to take the mound, the baseball world is watching—not just for his splitter, but for how he handles adversity. His resilience, backed by the Dodgers and a supportive majority of fans, could turn this ugly chapter into a story of triumph. For now, the “10-word” threats have left a stain, but they’ve also united the sport in defense of one of its brightest young stars.

Sources: FOX Sports, Fish On First, Sportskeeda, The Athletic, ESPN, MLB.com