Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki has officially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing a minor league contract with the World Series champions. This move solidifies Los Angeles as a top MLB destination for Japanese baseball stars, following the acquisitions of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason.

Sasaki's decision has sparked reactions throughout the league, notably from San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb, who posted a "Space Jam" GIF on X, seemingly referencing the Dodgers' growing roster of star players. The GIF depicted the Monstars, who, in the film, stole the talents of NBA players.

The Dodgers' acquisition of Sasaki adds to their already impressive pitching rotation, which potentially includes Ohtani, Yamamoto, Dustin May, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Clayton Kershaw. Both Gonsolin and May are returning from injuries and will likely require a gradual return to the rotation. The team also recently signed two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.

Beyond pitching, the Dodgers boast a powerful lineup featuring 2019 AL MVP Mookie Betts and 2022 NL MVP Freddie Freeman, who joined the team after winning a World Series with the Atlanta Braves. This collection of talent makes the Dodgers a formidable force in the league.

Sasaki, known for his 100 mph fastball and impressive splitter, brings a strong track record with a 2.02 ERA over four seasons in Japan's top baseball league. He played alongside Ohtani and Yamamoto in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

After receiving interest from numerous MLB clubs, Sasaki narrowed his choices to the Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Diego Padres. His signing adds another layer of competition to the NL West, where the Giants, who also had an active offseason acquiring Willy Adames and Justin Verlander, will be vying for a playoff spot.

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Oracle Park. (Darren Yamashita-USA Today Sports)

FILE-  A Los Angeles Dodgers helmet rests on the field before the Dodgers begin batting practice during the Los Angeles Dodgers game versus the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA.   (Hailey Archambault/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Roki Sasaki, #14 of Team Japan, reacts after an out in the third inning against Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals at loanDepot park on March 20, 2023, in Miami, Florida.  (Eric Espada/Getty Images)