Philadelphia Phillies star Alec Bohm has spoken out on the shocking decision by Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of joining the Phillies. In a brutally honest take, Bohm pointed out key factors that may have influenced Sasaki’s choice, despite Philadelphia being a strong contender for his services.
When asked about Sasaki’s free agency decision, Bohm didn’t mince words, acknowledging the uphill battle the Phillies faced against the star-studded, big-spending Dodgers.
“Look, it’s tough to compete with what they’re building over there,” Bohm admitted. “They’ve got Shohei [Ohtani], they’ve got Yamamoto, and they’ve been a team that international players know and trust. Plus, L.A. sells itself.”
The Dodgers’ aggressive offseason moves, which included signing Shohei Ohtani (10 years, $700M) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12 years, $325M), reportedly played a significant role in Sasaki’s decision. With a growing Japanese presence and a franchise history of working with top international talent, Los Angeles was a natural fit for the 22-year-old ace.
Additionally, Bohm suggested that geography and lifestyle may have factored into the decision, as many Japanese players prefer the West Coast due to its proximity to Japan and larger Japanese community.
Despite missing out on Sasaki, Bohm remains confident in the Phillies’ championship aspirations, emphasizing that the team is still built to compete for a World Series title in 2025. While fans in Philadelphia may feel disappointed, the focus now shifts to how the front office will respond to bolster the roster for the upcoming season.
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