The Los Angeles Dodgers have very few question marks coming into the 2026 season, but one of the few concerns they have is Japanese right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki.

Dylan Hernandez of the California Post noted how Sasaki could be the biggest question mark of the Dodgers in the 2026 season.

“Pitchers and catchers will report to the Dodgers’ spring training home in Arizona on Feb. 13, and Sasaki will once again show up as one of the greatest mysteries in camp.

“The Dodgers have invested heavily in the 24-year-old Sasaki, as they basically sacrificed two classes of international amateur players in their quest to sign him. Even after an up-and-down rookie season last year, they remain committed to him. Sasaki is committed to them as well, as plans are for him to stay in spring training rather than join the Japanese national team at the World Baseball Classic.”

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Can Roki Sasaki Bounce Back and Become a Key Piece in the Dodgers’ Three-Peat Push?

Sasaki will enter his second season in the league after a rocky rookie season. The 24-year-old struggled mightily with control of his pitches and saw his velocity drop. However, his velocity dropped due to right shoulder impingement, leading to a stint on the injured list. Saski started only eight games and played in 10.

Now the shift focuses on 2026 and how Saskai can contribute in a big way as the Dodgers seek a third consecutive title.

TORONTO, ONTARIO – OCTOBER 31: Mark Prior #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks with Roki Sasaki #11 during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue …

dodgers skipper Dave Roberts touched on the type of role Sasaki could have this season.

“We’re gonna give him every chance to be the fifth starter or the sixth starter,” Roberts said.

On top of that, Roberts also discusses what Saski may need to add to his arsenal.

“For me, he needs to develop a third pitch.”

“It’s going to need to be something that goes left,” Roberts said.

Sasaki’s 2025 season was one to forget, at least in the regular season. However, Sasaki came up clutch when it mattered most, in a role no one expected him to play, a closer role in the postseason.

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In nine postseason games, Saski recorded an impressive 0.84 ERA, 3.70 FIP, 1.03 WHIP and allowed only six hits, one earned run, six strikeouts and three saves in 10.2 innings.

All eyes will be on Sasaki as he could be the key to push L.A. over the top again.