Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese pitching sensation, has been making headlines in baseball for his incredible talent and recent personal milestones.
As he prepares to take the stage in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sasaki has also shared an important personal update: he is married.
This news, announced through an Instagram post, surprised many, including his teammates and manager, Dave Roberts.
Sasaki’s Instagram post, written in Japanese, revealed that he had recently registered his marriage with a non-celebrity woman.
In his message, he expressed gratitude for the continued support and shared his hopes for the future,
“Thank you for your continued support.
Via Instagram
The other day, I entered into the family with a common woman.
A fresh start in public and private sector and I’m full of expectations and anxiety,
We will work hard as a couple, so please keep a warm eye on us.”
This announcement surprised many, including Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who humorously replied,
“What? I didn’t even know he had a girlfriend. The wedding gift will be on the way. Congratulations.”
Via MLB
Sasaki’s decision to keep his personal life private is understandable, especially given the intense media scrutiny that often accompanies high-profile athletes.
Sasaki’s Journey To The Dodgers Began In Japan, Where He Became A Standout Player In The Nippon Professional Baseball League
Born in 2001 in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, Sasaki set a new Japanese high school baseball record with a fastball recorded at 101 miles per hour (163 km/h).
The Chiba Lotte Marines selected him as the first overall pick in the 2019 NPB draft.
Sasaki made his professional debut for the Marines in 2021, and his performances were spectacular.
In April 2022, he threw a perfect game, tying the NPB record for strikeouts in one game and setting a new record for consecutive strikeouts. His achievements in Japan earned him the nickname “The Monster of the Reiwa era.“
In January 2025, Sasaki announced he would join the Los Angeles Dodgers.
His decision was inspired by the team’s stability and potential for success rather than the presence of other Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who are also part of the Dodgers roster.
Sasaki signed a minor league contract with a $6.5 million signing bonus, a deal necessitated by MLB regulations due to his age.
Despite the constraints, Sasaki’s signing was one of the most significant moves of the offseason, with many analysts viewing him as one of the premier pitching talents in recent MLB history.
As Sasaki prepares for his MLB debut, expectations are high.
He is expected to start the Dodgers’ second game of the season in Tokyo on March 19, 2025.
This will be a significant moment for Sasaki and the Dodgers, marking his first major league appearance in a highly anticipated matchup.
Sasaki’s potential is undeniable, with a fastball clocked at over 102.5 miles per hour and a repertoire that includes a devastating splitter.
Roki Sasaki’s Marriage Is A Major Milestone In His Switch From NPB To MLB, Offering Stability During This Crucial Career Period
His decision to publicly share this personal milestone reflects his desire to balance his personal and professional life.
By announcing his marriage before the start of the season, Sasaki aims to focus on his baseball career without the distraction of ongoing speculation about his personal life.
This approach mirrors his teammate Shohei Ohtani, who also announced his marriage during spring training last year. Ohtani’s surprise revelation was followed by a successful season.
Sasaki may hope to follow a similar path, leveraging the stability of his personal life to enhance his performance on the field.
Roki Sasaki’s marriage announcement has added a new layer of mystery to his already compelling story.
As he begins his MLB career with the Dodgers, Sasaki will undoubtedly face challenges on and off the field.
However, with his talent, determination, and newfound personal stability, he is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in baseball.
While Sasaki prefers to keep his details private, sharing this big milestone shows his appreciation for fan support and dedication to his career.
We wish him and his wife all the best as they begin this new chapter together.
