BREAKING: Dodgers Star Roki Sasaki to Donate Entire $3.7M Salary to Turn Three Homes Into Youth Homeless Shelters

In an unprecedented act of generosity and social responsibility, Los Angeles Dodgers rookie phenom Roki Sasaki has made headlines both on and off the field. In a move that has stunned fans, teammates, and humanitarian organizations alike, Sasaki announced he will invest his entire 2025 MLB salary and signing bonus—totaling approximately $3.7 million—toward transforming three residential properties in Los Angeles into shelters for homeless youth.

The 23-year-old Japanese pitcher, who made his much-anticipated MLB debut this season after dominating in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), revealed his decision through a brief but emotionally charged press conference outside Dodger Stadium on Monday afternoon. Flanked by Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes and a representative from a local nonprofit organization, Sasaki spoke in quiet but firm English, his words resonating louder than any pitch he’s thrown.

“I have been blessed with this opportunity to play baseball here,” Sasaki began. “I come from a small town in Iwate, and I have seen how hardship can affect people—especially children. If I can help even a few young people feel safe, loved, and given a chance, that is more important than money.”

His gesture is unprecedented for an active MLB rookie, and even more astonishing given Sasaki’s status as a newcomer in a foreign country. But for those who have followed his journey, this act is emblematic of a young man shaped by adversity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to giving back.

Sasaki’s path to Major League Baseball has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, one of the areas devastated by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Sasaki lost his father and grandparents in the disaster. He was just nine years old. His home was destroyed, and his family was displaced. That early experience of loss and instability has never left him. Those close to Sasaki say that, despite his ascension as a professional athlete, he never allowed himself to forget the vulnerability of youth without a stable home.

“He carries that part of his story everywhere he goes,” said Hiroshi Sasaki, his uncle and former coach. “It’s why he works so hard. It’s why he’s so disciplined. And it’s why he always said, even when he was a teenager, ‘If I ever get the chance, I’ll give back to the children who have nothing.’ This isn’t a PR stunt for him. This is who he is.”

The three homes that Sasaki is funding are located in neighborhoods identified by Los Angeles County as high-need areas with rising rates of youth homelessness. According to a 2024 report by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), more than 4,800 minors in Los Angeles County were classified as homeless or unstably housed. The problem is acute and growing, exacerbated by a housing crisis, the lingering economic fallout of the pandemic, and increasing family instability.

Partnering with the nonprofit organization SafeSteps LA, Sasaki will fully fund the purchase, renovation, and staffing of the three properties. Each will serve a specific purpose in the broader vision of a youth housing network. One home will act as an emergency shelter for teens aged 13-17 facing immediate danger or housing loss. Another will serve as a transitional living program for young adults aged 18-22, offering mental health services, education support, and workforce training. The third will function as a drop-in center and community hub for outreach services, mentorship programs, and essential care.

SafeSteps LA executive director Andrea Molina praised Sasaki not only for his financial contribution but also for his thoughtful engagement with the program’s design.

“He didn’t just write a check and walk away,” Molina said. “Roki asked questions. He visited sites. He wanted to know about trauma-informed care. He wanted to talk to youth who’ve been through the system. He asked us how he could support our staff, not just the buildings. It was incredibly moving to see someone so young take this so seriously.”

Indeed, Sasaki has reportedly requested to remain an anonymous presence within the facilities—his name will not appear on any building, and he has asked that his role not be emphasized to the residents unless they specifically inquire. He does, however, plan to visit periodically and participate in activities where appropriate.

For the Dodgers organization, Sasaki’s decision underscores the unique character of a player they already view as a cornerstone for years to come—not just in terms of baseball, but as a community ambassador.

“We knew Roki was special when we signed him,” said Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. “But this? This is beyond anything we imagined. He’s not just changing the game—he’s changing lives.”

Sasaki signed a six-year deal with the Dodgers in early 2025, bypassing a larger potential payday in free agency to ensure an earlier transition to the majors. While the $3.7 million salary and bonus is relatively modest compared to what he might have earned by waiting until full free agency eligibility, Sasaki was clear that his decision was never about maximizing his earnings.

“I didn’t come to America to make the most money,” Sasaki said. “I came to play baseball at the highest level and be part of something bigger.”

The reaction around the league and the wider sports community was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Teammates lauded Sasaki’s courage and generosity. Dodgers ace Walker Buehler tweeted, “This dude is the real deal—on the mound and off. Much respect, Roki.” Shohei Ohtani, who served as an informal mentor to Sasaki during his transition to MLB, issued a statement in Japanese calling the act “the true spirit of giving and courage.”

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred also released a statement, saying, “Roki Sasaki exemplifies the values we hope all players embrace—compassion, humility, and leadership. His actions speak volumes, and we applaud him for using his platform for such an important cause.”

Even international media outlets have picked up the story, drawing parallels between Sasaki’s move and other global figures who have used their fame and fortune to support vulnerable populations. In Japan, where Sasaki was already a household name due to his blazing fastball and poetic rise from tragedy, national networks broadcast the press conference live.

Back in Los Angeles, the reaction among local community groups and young people has been profound. Social workers who have long struggled with funding and space expressed hope that Sasaki’s initiative could spark broader investment and attention to the city’s youth homelessness crisis.

One 19-year-old who has aged out of the foster care system and currently lives in a group home said, “You never think someone famous is going to care about people like us. I’ve been passed around since I was six. The idea that a baseball player is spending all his money to help kids like me… it gives me hope. Real hope.”

That sentiment is precisely what Sasaki hopes to inspire. Though he remains private about his future philanthropic plans, sources close to him say this will not be his last effort in community work. For now, Sasaki is focused on balancing his baseball responsibilities with the quiet satisfaction of knowing that his success is already having an impact far beyond the pitcher’s mound.

When asked whether he had any concerns about giving up his entire salary, Sasaki simply smiled.

“Money comes and goes. A safe home lasts forever.”

The three shelters are expected to open before the end of 2025, with construction and staffing already underway. Meanwhile, Sasaki will take the mound again this week, his fastball lighting up the radar gun, his heart already making history.