Roki Sasaki is still on his journey to conquer Major League Baseball. But according to one of the people who knows him best at the Los Angeles Dodgers, the most important thing isn’t his 100 mph speed or those splitters that leave opponents helpless.

It’s his confidence.

And according to star catcher Will Smith, that’s what’s changing everything.

In recent comments, Will Smith gave special praise to Sasaki when talking about the Japanese star’s development before the season and in the recent stages of his MLB journey.

“He’s much more confident. I feel like he understands better what he needs to do on the mound. His presence is also better. He just needs time to get used to the Major League. You have to feel success, and that’s what he experienced in the postseason.”

These weren’t just polite remarks.

These were assessments from the pitcher who directly catcher Sasaki, the one who witnessed all the difficulties, all the failures, and the gradual maturation of a talent considered one of the most promising pitchers in the world.

From Disappointment to Hope

When he arrived at the Dodgers with countless expectations, Sasaki was seen as a piece that could change the team’s future.

But the reality of MLB was much harsher.

His first season was affected by shoulder problems and inconsistency. The fastballs that once amazed all of Japan could no longer maintain maximum speed. Ball control also became a major issue.

Many began to question:

Was Sasaki truly ready for MLB?

Could he become the ace the Dodgers hoped for?

Or was he just an unfulfilled talent?

But instead of panicking, the Dodgers chose patience.

While many teams may have changed their plans, the Dodgers’ leadership maintained unwavering faith.

Baseball Executive Chairman Andrew Friedman repeatedly affirmed that the organization viewed Sasaki as a long-term starter and believed he possessed the potential to become an elite pitcher in MLB.

General Manager Brandon Gomes also emphasized that the Dodgers always considered Sasaki a starter, not a reliever, despite his success in the bullpen during the 2025 postseason.

That faith is now beginning to pay off.

In recent appearances, Sasaki has shown significant improvement.

He is beginning to regain his trademark fastball speed. In a recent game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sasaki repeatedly reached 100 mph, a performance considered his closest match to the peak he displayed in Japan.

Not only that, his game control has also improved significantly.

Dodger coaches have consistently highlighted Sasaki’s maturation in his approach, from adjusting his pitching mechanics to perfecting new ball types like cutters and sliders to complement his renowned fastball-splitter combination.

This has particularly excited Will Smith.

“His fastball is great. His splitter is great. He’s also developing his cutter and slider. Everything is going in the right direction.”

According to Smith, the biggest turning point didn’t come from the gym or bullpen sessions.

It came in October.

In the 2025 postseason campaign, Sasaki became one of the Dodgers’ most dangerous bullpen weapons. He recorded an extremely low ERA, made many crucial saves, and contributed significantly to the World Series championship.

It was these moments that helped him realize he could absolutely succeed in MLB.

The confidence Will Smith mentioned didn’t come by chance.

It was built from the most stressful games.

From facing the best hitters.

And from proving that he belongs on this big stage.

For the Dodgers, Sasaki’s development isn’t just a personal story.

It’s a story about the team’s future.

In the context of a pitching lineup constantly facing injuries and competitive pressure, Sasaki’s progress towards his true potential could change the course of the season.

Many experts believe that if he continues to maintain his current pace, Sasaki could become one of the most formidable starters in the National League in the coming years.

And perhaps no one understands this better than Will Smith.

He has watched Sasaki from his early days of struggling to find himself.

Up to now, as his confidence is gradually transforming his potential into reality.

If Smith’s assessment is accurate, the Dodgers may not just possess a promising young talent.

They may be witnessing the birth of MLB’s next big-time shooting star.