Roki Sasaki sweepstakes: Giants' Logan Webb makes 'Space Jam' reference in apparent reaction to Dodgers' win
The Dodgers organization signed Sasaki to a minor league contract.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed 23-year-old Japanese-born pitcher Roki Sasaki to a minor league contract.
The Los Angeles baseball franchise has become the preferred MLB destination for top Japanese players, with Roki's arrival and the signing of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason. Sasaki is the latest pitching sensation to join the team.
Since Sasaki's decision was made public, baseball players in the big leagues have shared their reactions. Among them, San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb's apparent reaction to the news was particularly noteworthy.
On Friday, the All-Star right-hander shared a GIF from "Space Jam" on X, featuring a clip of the Monstars team and the caption, "Time to play a little basketball."
The Monstars in the film were a team of NBA players whose talents were stolen to create a powerful super team.
In 1996, a sports film featuring live-action and animation was released, starring Michael Jordan and other NBA stars.
In Dec. 2023, the Dodgers signed Ohtani to a historic 10-year, $700 million contract. Despite an injury preventing him from pitching in 2024, Ohtani hit a career-best 54 home runs and earned his third MVP award.
If Ohtani returns to the pitching mound in 2025, he would be a part of a formidable pitching rotation with Yamamoto, Dustin May, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, Gonsolin, and May. Gonsolin and May did not pitch in MLB last season due to injury and will likely need to be eased back into the rotation.
In the offseason, Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, joined the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 2022, the Los Angeles Dodgers lured first baseman Freddie Freeman away from the Atlanta Braves, despite his previous success with the team. The Dodgers' lineup already boasts 2019 American League MVP Mookie Betts and a host of other star hitters.
In Japan, Sasaki's four seasons at the highest level of baseball yielded a 2.02 ERA. His fastball often exceeds 100 mph, and his splitter adds to his potential as an ace in a pitching rotation.
He played alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
In December, during baseball's winter meetings, numerous MLB teams provided information about their organizations to Saski and his agency. By January, Saski had shortlisted the Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Diego Padres. Ultimately, he chose Los Angeles.
The Giants, like Webb's Giants, had a busy offseason, acquiring star shortstop Willy Adames and veteran pitcher Justin Verlander in free agency. San Francisco, which competes in the NL West, missed the playoffs last season. In 2025, the Giants will have to contend with what is projected to be one of the best divisions in the MLB.
Subscribe to the Planet Chronicle Sports Huddle newsletter and follow Planet Chronicle Digital's sports coverage on X.
sports
You might also like
- The Chiefs advance to the AFC title game with Patrick Mahomes at the helm, following the birth of his daughter, as Caitlin Clark and Taylor Swift cheer.
- Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark's appearance at Chiefs game sparks controversy among fans: 'Wokesters!'
- Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark share a suite at the Chiefs game after previous invitations.
- In the playoff game between the Texans and the Chiefs, Kris Boyd, a Texan player, removed his helmet and pushed the special team coach after the kickoff.
- During the national anthem before the playoff game against the Texans, Chris Jones, the star player of the Kansas City Chiefs, shed tears.