Roki Sasaki’s Splitter Already Drawing High Praise Before MLB Debut
Roki Sasaki has yet to throw a pitch in an MLB regular season game, but he is already earning rave reviews from analysts and former players. His signature splitter has been described as one of the best in the game, and former two-time MLB All-Star Harold Reynolds believes it could be devastating for opposing hitters.
What Makes Sasaki’s Splitter So Special?
Japanese pitchers have long been known for their mastery of the splitter, and Sasaki may have taken it to another level. His splitter:
- Averages 91-92 mph, making it significantly harder to hit than most splitters, which sit in the mid-to-upper 80s.
- Features late vertical drop, disappearing just as hitters commit to their swing.
- Is thrown with the same arm action as his fastball, making it difficult to identify until it’s too late.
Harold Reynolds’ Take on Sasaki
Speaking on MLB Network, Harold Reynolds compared Sasaki’s splitter to some of the greatest in baseball history, stating:
“I’ve seen some dominant splitters over the years, but what Sasaki is doing—throwing it at 91-92 mph with that much movement—is unheard of. If he commands it well, it’s going to be just as unhittable as [Hall of Famer] Roger Clemens’ or even Shohei Ohtani’s.”
How Sasaki’s Splitter Compares to MLB’s Best
To understand just how dominant Sasaki’s splitter could be, let’s compare it to other elite pitchers who have used the pitch effectively.
| Pitcher | Splitter Velocity | Whiff Rate | MLB Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roki Sasaki | 91-92 mph | TBD (MLB Debut Pending) | Shohei Ohtani / Kevin Gausman |
| Shohei Ohtani | 87-90 mph | 52% | One of MLB’s most effective pitches |
| Kevin Gausman | 84-86 mph | 46% | Best splitter in MLB today |
| Roger Clemens | 85-88 mph | N/A | One of the best of all time |
| Hideo Nomo | 82-85 mph | N/A | Dominant in the 1990s |
Sasaki’s velocity alone sets him apart, as most splitters in MLB don’t reach the low 90s. The combination of speed and movement could make it one of the most feared pitches in the league.
What to Expect from Sasaki in His Rookie Season
At just 22 years old, Sasaki has already made a name for himself in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). His fastball regularly touches 101 mph, and when paired with his elite splitter, he has the potential to dominate MLB hitters from day one.
While his command and durability will be tested over a full MLB season, if his splitter performs as advertised, he could quickly become one of the league’s top strikeout pitchers.
Potential 2025 Rookie Season Projection (MLB)
- ERA: 3.00-3.50
- Strikeouts: 180-200
- WHIP: 1.10 or lower
- Opponent Batting Avg: Below .220
With his electric stuff and elite splitter, Sasaki has the tools to make an immediate impact and potentially win AL Rookie of the Year honors.
Final Thoughts
Roki Sasaki’s arrival in MLB is one of the most highly anticipated debuts in recent history, and his splitter is already being hailed as one of the most dangerous weapons in the sport. If he can translate his NPB dominance to the big leagues, expect him to be a must-watch pitcher for years to come.
