The Dodgers outmaneuvered rivals to sign Roki Sasaki with an unlikely toilet concession that cost them $100 million.
LOS ANGELES — In one of the most unusual recruiting stories Major League Baseball has seen, the Los Angeles Dodgers managed to win the race for Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki not through a traditional handshake deal, but thanks to a bizarre — and very expensive — toilet upgrade.
While rival teams chased Sasaki with big-dollar offers and player development pitches, it was a simple but unexpected request about restroom facilities that helped the Dodgers gain the upper hand.
Dodgers’ unlikely secret weapon: A toilet revamp
As first reported by the Orange County Register, during an early meeting with Dodgers officials, Sasaki raised an unusual question: would the team be installing Japanese-style toilets as part of its ongoing clubhouse renovations? Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten recalled the moment vividly.
“During our first meeting with Roki, we were telling him about the project we had ongoing to upgrade our clubhouse and facilities,” Kasten said. “We’re going to have this and this and this. And he asked, ‘Are you going to have Japanese-style toilets?’”
Without hesitation, Kasten responded, “Done. You got it.”
While Sasaki later admitted he had been somewhat tongue-in-cheek with his request, he also made it clear that the Dodgers’ willingness to accommodate his cultural comforts “was definitely a factor” in his decision to sign with the reigning World Series champions.
Amid a $100 million renovation project, the Dodgers installed state-of-the-art Japanese toilets, complete with bidet functions, heated seats, deodorizers, and remote controls — amenities common in Sasaki’s home country but rare in American ballparks.
Signing the Dodgers deal
The Dodgers officially signed Sasaki in January for a $6.5 million bonus, outbidding strong offers from the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays. The New York Yankees and New York Mets also made their cases but fell short in the final stretch.
At just 23 years old, Sasaki was considered one of the most coveted international pitching prospects, having dominated in Nippon Professional Baseball. His transition to MLB, however, has presented early challenges.
Sasaki’s early MLB journey
Through his first six starts in Los Angeles, Sasaki holds a 0-1 record with a 3.55 ERA across 25.1 innings. He has surrendered 18 hits, 10 runs, and issued 18 walks while striking out 20 batters. His WHIP currently sits at 1.421.
In his latest outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night, Sasaki threw 93 pitches over 4.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks while recording four strikeouts. Postgame, he reflected on his performance.
“My delivery feels pretty in sync,” Sasaki said through an interpreter. “Even the pitches I don’t necessarily command, I feel pretty good about. As long as I get my [velocity] up a little bit, I think I’ll be able to pitch the way I want to.”
While his performance has been solid by rookie standards, he has struggled with command, particularly with his fastball.
Tops MLB’s worst pitcher list
Recent data from TJStats revealed that Sasaki currently has the worst four-seam fastball whiff percentage in MLB among starters with at least 100 swings against them — just 8.9%.
The placement on the “Worst Fastball” list surprised few, as early-season command issues have been a consistent theme for Sasaki. Despite the rough numbers, MLB fans have remained optimistic.
“Sasaki has nasty stuff. Needs to just work on some command. But it will come along. Kid is young, moved across the Pacific to a new frontier. Give him some time,” one fan wrote online.
Another chimed in, “Sasaki isn’t used to the grip; give him a couple of months.”
The consensus around the league is that his electric arm talent remains undeniable — but adjustments to the MLB ball, mound, and life in the U.S. are part of a learning curve.
Desperate to improve
The Dodgers’ willingness to cater to Sasaki’s comfort — starting from a simple restroom request — reflects the evolving nature of international recruitment. As Kasten put it, “It was a good idea we got from a player.”
Indeed, cultural understanding and personal touches can sometimes outweigh pure financial muscle.
For Sasaki, the transition to American baseball has been rocky at times, but the Dodgers believe the payoff will come. Patience and a few amenities have already made a difference.
Whether it’s pitching mechanics or clubhouse luxury, the Dodgers are betting their $100 million investment — and their toilet installation — will ultimately pay championship dividends.
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