Shohei Ohtani broke the news to the Los Angeles Dodgers that prized Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki was joining the team. Ohtani sent a text to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman even before Sasaki's agent informed the club.

After winning their second title in five years, the Dodgers kept utilityman Tommy Edman with a $74 million, five-year contract, outfielder Teoscar Hernández with a $66 million three-year deal and right-hander Blake Treinen for $22 million over two years.

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman dismissed talk of having a pre-arranged deal with Roki Sasaki."There's going to be noise, it's so ridiculous," Friedman said during a radio interview on AM 570 LA Sports.

No one in Dodger blue was apologizing Wednesday, when the Dodgers introduced pitcher Roki Sasaki at a news conference.

Less than a week after announcing he would sign with the Dodgers in one this offseason's major free agency coups, Roki Sasaki was officially introduced by the team.

The Los Angeles Dodgers cemented their status as Major League Baseball's new "Evil Empire" this offseason with a raft of acquisitions that position the team as favorites to repeat as World Series champions.

Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki was officially introduced as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. The 23-year-old discussed a variety of topics, including his motivation in joining the Dodgers in free agency. More news: Former Dodgers All-Star, Fan Favorite Open to Return to LA in Potential Blockbuster Signing

Sasaki said he prioritized joining a team that would embrace a Japanese player, but explained that there were other reasons why he ultimately chose the Dodgers.

Ohtani sent a text to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman even before Sasaki’s agent informed the club.

Andrew Friedman reveals the Los Angeles Dodgers' plan for Roki Sasaki to start the 2025 season against the Chicago Cubs.

Asked if his team was overrunning baseball, GM Brandon Gomes answered: “The goal is to win every single year.”

Ohtani once eschewed the Dodgers for the Angels, and got stuck in a six-year playoff drought. The Dodgers’ new Japanese rookie phenom Sasaki made a different call.