Roki Sasaki Settles In: Comfort, Clarity, and a Sharper Slider Define His Second Spring
CAMELBACK RANCH, AZ - One year can make a world of difference. Just ask Roki Sasaki.
A season removed from the whirlwind that was his MLB debut, the 22-year-old flamethrower is walking into spring training with a noticeably different presence. Gone are the wide-eyed nerves and emotional weight that often shadowed his rookie campaign.
In their place? A pitcher who looks more grounded, more confident, and more in control-on and off the mound.
Sasaki’s first spring media session of 2026 didn’t carry the same spectacle as last year’s, and that’s exactly the point. It wasn’t about flash or headlines this time-it was about focus. His message was clear: he knows the rhythm now, and he’s ready to build on a foundation that was shaky at times but showed flashes of something special.
"I Understand the Flow This Time"
When asked to compare this spring to his first, Sasaki didn’t hesitate. “I understand the flow this time,” he said. That may sound simple, but for a young pitcher navigating a new country, a new league, and sky-high expectations, that understanding is everything.
He talked about being more comfortable in the clubhouse, recognizing more faces, and feeling like part of the team rather than a newcomer trying to find his footing. “Compared to last year, there are a lot more members I know,” Sasaki said. “In that sense too, it feels easier than last year, and I’ve been able to come in more comfortably.”
That comfort is translating to his work on the mound, too.
Health, Mechanics, and a Clean Bullpen
Sasaki emphasized that his body feels good-strong, healthy, and better aligned than it did a year ago. “My physical condition feels good,” he said. “My health is good, and my form is even better than last year.”
That’s a big deal. Sasaki’s stuff has never been in question-his fastball is electric, his splitter devastating-but consistency and durability were the missing pieces.
Now, with a cleaner delivery and a full offseason of preparation behind him, he’s starting to see the benefits. “Even in the bullpen, including today, I think I’ve been able to perform in a stable way,” he said.
A Strong Finish, a Stronger Start
The end of last season gave Sasaki something to hold onto. He finished on a high note, and that momentum is fueling his mindset this spring.
“It’s better than ending in the same place as early last spring,” he said. “I was able to finish the season in a good way, so it’s easier to picture good things.”
That mental clarity matters. Sasaki admitted that last year, he put too much on himself right out of the gate.
“I think I ended up trying to do everything by myself,” he said. This year, it’s about staying healthy, staying present, and letting the season reveal what needs to be addressed.
“First, I need to stay healthy and perform,” he said. “From there, I think the challenges I need to address will become visible.”
Slider in Focus
One of those challenges? The breaking ball.
Sasaki didn’t mince words when asked about the slider: “I thought the slider I threw last year wasn’t very good,” he said. “The results weren’t good either.”
He’s now toying with the idea of going back to a version of the pitch he used earlier in his career-a more sweeping slider that could give hitters a different look and better separation from his fastball. “Originally, I had a more sweeping slider that I used to throw,” he said. “I want to throw that again.”
He’s still figuring out the exact shape-“something like a cutter or a slider,” as he described it-but the plan is to keep working with the pitching staff and dial in the movement and command. “We still have time until Opening Day, so I want to tighten the direction and improve the precision.”
And don’t think the slider is the only trick up his sleeve. “There are other pitches too that I didn’t throw today,” Sasaki noted. “Just having that will widen the range.”
Manager’s Approval
Manager Dave Roberts likes what he’s seeing.
“Roi looked really good,” Roberts said. “The fastball was coming out really well.
Threw some sliders. The split was fine, and I thought the command was really good for the first day.
He’s way ahead of where he was last spring.”
That’s a telling statement from a manager who’s seen his share of young arms. Roberts highlighted Sasaki’s delivery and overall health as major positives, calling it “a very encouraging day.”
Eyes on the Long Game
Sasaki isn’t making bold predictions or chasing headlines. He’s focused on staying on the field, refining his arsenal, and letting the season shape his growth. “This year, I want to keep throwing so that, in a good way, I can see the challenges and the things I need to work on,” he said.
There’s no denying the talent. The fastball still pops, the splitter still dives, and if the slider comes along the way he hopes, Sasaki could be a nightmare for hitters come summer.
But maybe the most important development isn’t mechanical-it’s mental. He’s no longer trying to do everything at once. He’s learning to trust the process, trust his team, and trust himself.
And that version of Roki Sasaki? That’s the one to watch.