UPDATE: The 2025 MLB playoffs are underway, and emerging as the standout star is Roki Sasaki of the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a remarkable 0.706 Win Probability Added (WPA), Sasaki has quickly captured the title of this year’s Mr. October.
The playoffs kicked off on September 30, 2025, continuing into this month, but it’s clear that Sasaki is dominating early on. His performance has been pivotal, especially as the Dodgers have advanced through the postseason as the only remaining wild-card team.
Sasaki’s playoff journey includes standout appearances:
– **October 1:** Closed the final inning of an 8-4 wild-card victory against the Cincinnati Reds, earning a WPA of 0.015.
– **October 4:** Secured a 5-3 win in Game 1 of the division series against the Philadelphia Phillies, raising his WPA to 0.099.
– **October 6:** Faced Trea Turner with runners on base in a crucial moment, successfully closing the game and boosting his WPA to 0.208.
– **October 9:** Demonstrated exceptional skill by retiring all nine batters he faced in a tense 1-1 game, leading to a series-clinching victory and a significant WPA increase to 0.384.
With each game, Sasaki is solidifying his status as a high-leverage playoff reliever. His transition from a rocky start in the MLB to postseason powerhouse highlights the unpredictable nature of playoff baseball.
Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani, another Japanese superstar, has had a quieter postseason. Currently, he holds a negative WPA of -0.319, as he struggles with a 0.148 batting average through the early rounds. As the playoffs progress, fans are eager to see if he can turn his performance around.
The current leaderboard for players still in contention showcases Sasaki at the top:
1. **Roki Sasaki, Dodgers:** 0.706
2. **Andres Munoz, Seattle Mariners:** 0.598
3. **Alex Vesia, Dodgers:** 0.591
4. **Blake Snell, Dodgers:** 0.581
5. **Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays:** 0.434
As the playoffs continue, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on these statistics, with updates on the WPA leaderboard expected to shift dramatically with every game.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Dodgers are poised to push further into the playoffs, and Sasaki’s performance will be critical in determining their fate. The excitement surrounding the 2025 postseason continues to build, and the spotlight remains on Sasaki as he aims to maintain his lead.
For more on the 2025 MLB playoffs, including schedules and team updates, stay tuned. The thrill of October baseball is just beginning, and anything can happen.