Dodgers fans (and haters) lose their minds after Roki Sasaki chooses LA

Roki Sasaki has long been stellar in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. The 23-year-old pitcher had a 2.02 ERA over the last four seasons in the NPB, striking out 524 across 414 innings pitched. With recent performance like this, there was no doubt he would be a prodigious addition to any team that was willing to negotiate the best deal for his services.

Over the last few weeks, baseball fans have been holding their breath, waiting for the young international star to choose which American city he'd now call home. The Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays were all final contenders, but just this morning it was announced that San Diego had lost its spot in the race.

Fans were left feeling a bit of déjà vu, considering just over a year ago, rumors were flying that Sasaki's former Samurai Japan teammate Shohei Ohtani had a deal with the Blue Jays in the works. But, as we know, the Dodgers were the winning team when it came to negotiating the best deal for Ohtani, and they worked hard at pitching their best to Sasaki as well.

Tyler Glasnow spoke with Sasaki himself, encouraging him to choose LA if his goals were to develop into the most elite pitcher he could be. And on Friday, the negotiating is finished and the contract is signed; the Dodgers now have the ultimate trinity of Japanese superstars.

Dodgers fans celebrate after Roki Sasaki chooses LA

Sasaki took to Instagram, posting a photo of a Dodgers cap and stating in the caption that he had signed a contract with the Dodgers. This comes as a relief to LA fans, as there were some fears early on in the race -- especially after the pitcher was not only spotted, but embraced at Petco Park.

Now, after the immense anticipation, excitement is circulating as Dodgers enthusiasts are celebrating another win for the 2024 World Series Champions, taking to all forms of social media to make their elation known.

On the not so optimistic side of social media, some baseball fans have emerged with their frustration towards the Dodgers adding another ace to their bullpen.

Regardless, baseball fans are eager to see how this addition will play out through the 2025 season, and whether the Dodgers have the perfect lineup for securing back to back World Series rings.