BREAKING: Dodgers Owner Publicly Attacks Roki Sasaki Amid Controversy Over Signing and Performance

The Los Angeles Dodgers have found themselves at the center of a storm as team owner Mark Walter publicly criticized their prized Japanese pitching prospect, Roki Sasaki. The attack comes amid swirling controversy over Sasaki’s signing process and his early struggles on the mound, igniting fierce debate and division among fans, analysts, and MLB insiders.

The Controversy Behind Sasaki’s Signing

Roki Sasaki’s acquisition by the Dodgers was hailed as a major coup, but it quickly became mired in ethical questions. During the 2025 MLB draft and free agency process, Sasaki reportedly solicited “proprietary information” from multiple MLB teams about how to improve his pitching arsenal. Despite engaging with all 30 clubs, Sasaki had already decided to sign with the Dodgers, leading rival teams to accuse him and the Dodgers of bad faith and unfair tactics.

ESPN analyst Buster Olney revealed that teams shared sensitive data on their pitching coaching and strategies, only to see that information indirectly benefit the Dodgers. Although MLB investigated and found no concrete evidence of wrongdoing, the perception of impropriety has lingered, casting a shadow over the Dodgers’ signing.

Early Struggles and Owner’s Public Rebuke

Adding fuel to the fire, Sasaki’s debut season with the Dodgers has been disappointing. After a highly anticipated start, he has struggled to find consistency, leading to frustration within the organization. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Sasaki’s visible disappointment but emphasized his desire to perform.

However, in an unprecedented move, owner Mark Walter publicly criticized Sasaki’s work ethic and commitment, suggesting the young pitcher has not lived up to the expectations set by his signing. Walter’s remarks have shocked the baseball world, with many questioning whether such public rebuke is appropriate for a developing talent.

Fan and Media Reactions: Divided and Heated

• Dodgers fans are stunned and divided: some defend Walter’s tough-love approach, believing it will motivate Sasaki, while others fear it could damage the pitcher’s confidence and development.

• MLB analysts debate the ethics of the signing process and the impact of the owner’s public criticism, with many calling for clearer rules to prevent similar controversies.

• Rival teams remain vocal about their displeasure, viewing the situation as emblematic of larger competitive imbalances in MLB’s recruitment practices.

What This Means for the Dodgers and MLB

The fallout from Sasaki’s signing and Walter’s attack threatens to overshadow the Dodgers’ on-field ambitions. With a rotation featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell, the Dodgers hoped Sasaki would be a cornerstone for years to come. Instead, the controversy raises questions about the team’s internal dynamics and the fairness of MLB’s international signing system.

Join the conversation: What’s your take on Dodgers owner Mark Walter’s public criticism of Roki Sasaki? Is this tough love or a damaging move? How should MLB handle ethical concerns in player signings? Share your thoughts, tag fellow fans, and let the debate explode across social media!