Meet the Newest Faces of the MLB
The MLB season is officially here! The sport of sunny days and yummy ball-park treats has arrived, and we couldn't be more excited. After the "Tokyo Series" hit off on March 18th, we've had baseball on our minds. Here are some of the MLB's newest faces to ensure you're ready for the season.
Rōki Sasaki
Rōki Saski playing in the Tokyo Series 2025 (Getty Images)
The Sports: Rōki Sasaki, the top prospect this season, is beginning his first year in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He signed with the team in January and is not new to professional baseball; he previously played for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan from 2021 to 2024. Rōki kicked off his MLB career during the two-game Tokyo Series opener against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers won both games, scoring 4-1 on March 18th and 6-3 on March 19th.
The Ish: As Rōki has already impressed us with his time in the MLB, we can't forget to mention his nickname. Also known as "the Monster of the Reiwa Era," Rōki earned this nickname during his high school career. He has a 101 mph fastball, which broke the Japanese High School record. We wonder if this nickname has followed him to the Dodgers!
With accomplishments such as winning a gold medal with Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and earning a unique nickname, we are excited to see what he brings to the Dodgers this season.
J.C. Escarra
J.C. Escarra has made it the Bronx! (Yankees)
The Sports: J.C. Escarra is no stranger to the league, but he is making his return after a significant journey. In 2017, the Baltimore Orioles selected J.C. in the 15th round of the MLB draft; however, the organization released him in 2022. Now, he is making headlines for his inspiring story.
The Ish: In October 2022, J.C. married his wife, Jocelyn. During that time, he took on several jobs as an Uber driver and a substitute teacher. Despite juggling these responsibilities, J.C. never let go of his passion and talent for baseball. In 2024, the New York Yankees signed him to a minor league contract, where he began playing with the Double-A Somerset Patriots.
A year later, J.C. received the call he had always dreamed of—he was added to the Yankees' Major League roster and learned he would be playing on opening day. Overjoyed, he immediately called his mom to share the news. We are all thrilled for J.C. and can't wait to see him take the field as a catcher for the Yankees. We would also like to see him in a movie because his story is nothing short of cinematic.
“To wake up this morning as a major league baseball player, especially for the New York Yankees, it means the world to me.”
Cam Smith
Cam Smith's photo at Media Day this year (Astros)
The Houston Astros' youngest player, Cam Smith, had a heartwarming journey to the team. At just 22 years old, he was emotionally overwhelmed when he received the news that he was joining the big leagues.
The Sports: The Chicago Cubs originally drafted Cam in July 2024, but before he could make his debut, he was traded to the Houston Astros. After playing only 32 games in the minors, he will now be taking the field on opening day for the Astros. How did he find out? The moment was shared on Instagram. Coach Joe Espada had Cam's family approach him from behind in the locker room. Tears filled Cam's eyes as he sensed something significant was about to happen. His mother embraced him and said, "You made the roster." With his teammates clapping and celebrating, we join them in congratulating him on the call-up he has worked so hard for.
The Ish: Cam now wears the number 11 for the Astros in honor of Mike Martin, the Florida State Coach who coached Cam in his college days and passed away in early 2024. Cam is truly one of the most humble and kind-hearted players out there.
Jack Dreyer
Jack Dreyer with the Dodgers at Media Day (Dodgers)
The Sports: Left-handed pitcher Jack Dreyer made his Major League Baseball debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers at 26. He has played in the minors since 2020 and has been under contract with the Dodgers since 2021. During his time in the minors, Jack achieved an impressive record of 10 wins and 2 losses, along with a 2.18 ERA. He was also named a Baseball Triple-A All-Star while playing for Oklahoma City.
Now, Jack has officially joined the Dodgers' 26-man roster and participated in the Tokyo Series, where he recorded his first career strikeout. His father, Steve Dreyer, pitched for the Texas Rangers in 1993, so it's exciting to see Jack continuing the family baseball legacy.
The Ish: Jack isn't just recognized for his baseball skills on the team and his impressive puzzle-solving skills. Dubbed the "Rubik's Cube Master,” Dreyer impresses his teammates with his Rubik's Cube-solving skills and his chess game talents. A man of both mind and muscle.
As the MLB season progresses, we will be keeping an eye on Jack and other players and look forward to their accomplishments throughout the year.