Roki Sasaki In MLB The Show: Everything You Need To Know

Hey baseball fans! Ever wondered if you could get your hands on the pitching phenom Roki Sasaki in MLB The Show? Well, you've come to the right place. Let's dive deep into everything you need to know about the possibility of seeing Sasaki-san dominate on your virtual diamond. We'll cover why he's such a hot topic, the hurdles involved in getting him into the game, and what it might look like if he ever makes it.

Who is Roki Sasaki?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of MLB The Show, let’s talk about the man himself. Roki Sasaki, often called the "Monster of Reiwa," is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Born in 2001, Sasaki burst onto the scene with incredible fastball velocity and a devastating splitter.

What makes Sasaki so special? Well, for starters, he throws really hard. We’re talking consistently in the upper 90s mph, and he's touched 102 mph! But it's not just about speed. His control and secondary pitches are also incredibly polished for someone so young. In April 2022, Sasaki threw a perfect game, striking out 19 batters and setting a new NPB record with 13 consecutive strikeouts. This performance cemented his status as one of the most exciting young pitchers in the world.

Baseball scouts from MLB have been drooling over Sasaki for years, and he's widely expected to make the jump to the majors eventually. His talent is undeniable, and he has the potential to be a true ace at the highest level. The hype is real, guys. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just a casual observer, Roki Sasaki is a name you'll likely be hearing a lot more in the coming years. He represents the next generation of pitching superstars, and everyone is eager to see what he can accomplish.

The Challenge: Getting NPB Players into MLB The Show

Alright, here's the million-dollar question: Why isn't Roki Sasaki already in MLB The Show? It's not as simple as just adding him to the roster. There are several factors at play, primarily revolving around licensing and agreements between MLB, MLB Players Association (MLBPA), and NPB.

Licensing is Key: MLB The Show needs the rights to use a player's name, likeness, and statistics. For MLB players, this is typically handled through the MLBPA. However, NPB players are a different story. Sony, the developer of MLB The Show, would need to negotiate separate agreements with NPB and potentially individual players or their representatives to secure those rights. This can be a complex and time-consuming process.

NPB Regulations: NPB has its own rules and regulations regarding the promotion and use of its players in foreign media. They may have concerns about diluting the value of their league or impacting player marketability. Getting NPB's blessing is crucial for any deal to happen. Sometimes, NPB might be hesitant to allow widespread use of their players in a video game, especially if it could potentially impact their own licensing deals or marketing strategies within Japan.

Player Consent: Even if MLB and NPB reach an agreement, individual players still have the right to refuse to be included in MLB The Show. Some players may not be interested in participating, or they may have their own endorsement deals that conflict with the game. Player consent is a fundamental aspect of using their likeness, and MLB The Show respects those rights. Imagine if Sasaki had his own exclusive deal with another company; it could complicate things significantly.

The Shohei Ohtani Exception: You might be thinking, "But what about Shohei Ohtani? He's in the game!" That's a fair point. Ohtani's situation was unique because he moved to MLB and became a member of the MLBPA. Once he was part of the MLBPA, his rights were automatically included in the standard licensing agreement with MLB The Show. So, until Sasaki makes the jump to MLB, he's subject to a different set of rules.

What if Roki Sasaki Was in MLB The Show?

Okay, let's indulge in a little daydreaming. Imagine Roki Sasaki did make it into MLB The Show. What would he be like? How would he play? Here’s a breakdown of what we could expect:

Attributes: His attributes would be insane, obviously! Given his real-life performance, Sasaki would likely have a high 90s fastball velocity, exceptional break on his splitter, and solid control. Stamina could be a point of debate, as NPB pitchers typically have different workloads than MLB pitchers, but his potential would be through the roof. Think of a young Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer, and you're on the right track.

Pitch Types: Fastball, splitter, curveball, and maybe a slider or changeup. His splitter would be his signature pitch, with devastating downward movement that would make hitters look silly. The key would be accurately replicating the velocity and break of his pitches, making him a nightmare to face in the game. Imagine trying to hit a 100 mph fastball, followed by a splitter that disappears as it reaches the plate – controller rage would be at an all-time high!

Rarity: If Sasaki were available in Diamond Dynasty, he would undoubtedly be a highly sought-after Diamond card. His rarity would reflect his elite status, making him a tough pull from packs. Expect his card to be expensive on the marketplace, as everyone would want to add him to their rotation. Limited-edition versions or special event cards could further increase his value and desirability.

Gameplay: Pitching with Sasaki would be exhilarating. His high velocity and nasty splitter would give you a distinct advantage. Mastering his pitch mix and learning how to effectively use his off-speed pitches would be crucial for dominating opponents. Online matchups would become intense as players try to figure out how to hit against his repertoire. The satisfaction of throwing a perfect game with Sasaki would be immense, a true testament to your skill as a player.

Potential Ways to Get Sasaki into the Game

So, what are the actual possibilities of seeing Roki Sasaki in MLB The Show? Here are a few scenarios:

MLB Move: The most straightforward way is for Sasaki to sign with an MLB team. Once he's part of the MLBPA, his rights would be included in the game's standard licensing agreement. This is the most likely scenario in the long run, as most experts believe he will eventually make the jump to the majors.

Licensing Agreement: Sony could negotiate a special licensing agreement with NPB to include specific players in MLB The Show. This would be a groundbreaking move, potentially opening the door for other NPB stars to be featured in the game. However, this would require significant effort and investment from Sony.

Custom Rosters: While not official, players could create custom rosters and player models to simulate Sasaki in the game. This would require significant effort and modding skills, but it's a viable option for those who are determined to play with him. The MLB The Show community is incredibly talented, and there are already some impressive custom players available.

Future of MLB The Show: As MLB The Show continues to expand and evolve, the possibility of incorporating international leagues and players becomes more realistic. Sony has shown a willingness to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible in a baseball video game. Perhaps one day, we'll see a more comprehensive integration of NPB and other international leagues into the game.

The Verdict: Will We See Roki Sasaki in MLB The Show?

In conclusion, while it's not currently possible to play as Roki Sasaki in MLB The Show officially, the future is promising. His eventual move to MLB seems likely, which would automatically make him available in the game. Until then, we can only dream and hope that Sony and NPB can reach an agreement to bring more NPB stars to the virtual diamond.

Keep your fingers crossed, baseball fans! The potential is there, and the demand is certainly high. Whether through an MLB move, a licensing agreement, or the ingenuity of custom roster creators, the dream of playing as Roki Sasaki in MLB The Show might just become a reality someday. And when that day comes, you know we'll all be lining up to add him to our Diamond Dynasty squads!

So, that's the scoop on Roki Sasaki and MLB The Show. We'll keep you updated on any developments, so stay tuned! And who knows, maybe one day we'll be talking about his virtual dominance in the same breath as his real-world achievements. Until then, keep playing ball!