Dodgers’ 2025 World Series Roster: How Many Japanese Players Are Playing Including Roki Sasaki?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have confirmed three Japan-born players on their 2025 World Series roster — Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. While the team’s global spotlight and fan excitement make it seem like there are more, the official roster shows only three Japanese stars representing the franchise this postseason.

The trio symbolizes the Dodgers’ deep connection with Japanese baseball talent. From Ohtani’s hitting dominance to Yamamoto’s pitching excellence and Sasaki’s raw velocity, these three have defined much of L.A.’s 2025 campaign and its World Series run against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Dodgers’ Japanese Trio: Ohtani, Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki

Shohei Ohtani (DH/P) — Ohtani continues to headline the Dodgers’ offense as their designated hitter. Though he’s recovering from arm surgery and hasn’t pitched this postseason, manager Dave Roberts noted that he’s available in an emergency role. His power and consistency at the plate remain critical to the Dodgers’ hopes of forcing a Game 7.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (RHP) — Yamamoto has been the club’s ace throughout the postseason. His standout moment came in Game 2 when he threw a four-hit complete game — the first in a World Series since 2015. That dominant outing evened the series and showcased why the Dodgers invested heavily in him during free agency.

Roki Sasaki (RHP) — The 23-year-old phenom has become one of the most talked-about additions to the Dodgers’ roster. Known for his 102-mph fastball and icy composure, Sasaki joined the World Series roster as a bullpen weapon. MLB.com highlighted him as “a future ace in the making,” and his late-inning appearances have offered glimpses of the next generation of Japanese pitching excellence.

Roki Sasaki

Why It Feels Like More Than Three

The Dodgers’ Japanese influence extends beyond numbers. Ohtani and Yamamoto are global icons, and Sasaki’s emergence has captured fans worldwide. Their combined success makes it seem as if half the team hails from Japan — but officially, the 2025 World Series roster includes only three Japan-born players.

Manager Roberts praised the trio’s professionalism before Game 6, saying they “embody the standard of focus and respect that defines what it means to be a Dodger.” Their chemistry and discipline have shaped L.A.’s clubhouse culture while enhancing the team’s international appeal.

Roki Sasaki’s Growing Impact in Game 6 and Beyond

As the Dodgers faced elimination in Toronto, Yamamoto started Game 6, while Sasaki was available out of the bullpen for potential multi-inning relief. Ohtani continued as the designated hitter, anchoring the offense. Even if the Dodgers fall short, Sasaki’s first World Series appearance marks a milestone moment — the beginning of what many expect to be a star-studded MLB career.

In summary: The Dodgers’ 2025 World Series roster features Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki — three Japanese players who have become the face of the team’s global success. Their presence highlights a new era of international collaboration in Major League Baseball, with the Dodgers leading the charge.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)

Q1: How many Japanese players are on the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series roster?

There are three Japan-born players — Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki.

Q2: Who is Roki Sasaki and what role does he play?

Roki Sasaki is a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher from Japan. He joined the Dodgers in 2025 and serves as a power reliever with triple-digit velocity during the World Series.

Q3: Why does it seem like there are more Japanese players on the Dodgers?

The team’s biggest stars — Ohtani and Yamamoto — dominate headlines, and Sasaki’s growing profile amplifies Japan’s presence within the roster.

Q4: Did Roki Sasaki pitch in the 2025 World Series?

He has been available in the bullpen for high-leverage situations, and Roberts hinted that he could appear in Game 6 or Game 7 depending on matchups.

Q5: What was Yamamoto’s best performance in the 2025 World Series?

His four-hit complete game in Game 2 — the first in a World Series since 2015 — showcased his ace status and steadied the Dodgers’ rotation.