Roki Sasaki- The race for Roki Sasaki’s services is nearing its conclusion, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays emerging as the three main contenders for the highly sought-after Japanese pitcher.
Sasaki is set to make his decision by January 23, when his posting window closes. Widely regarded as one of the top pitchers to come from Japan, Sasaki could have commanded a massive contract similar to or exceeding the 12-year, $325 million deal that Yoshinobu Yamamoto received, had he opted to wait a few more years before entering MLB.
However, despite the heightened interest, the situation remains shrouded in uncertainty. Executives involved in the bidding have noted that no one truly knows which way Sasaki is leaning. Both Sasaki and his agent, Joel Wolfe of Wasserman, have kept the details of his free agency tightly under wraps, much like Wolfe did with Yamamoto in the previous offseason.
The latest updates on Sasaki’s decision-making process suggest the following:
Los Angeles Dodgers: Sasaki is reportedly meeting with Dodgers representatives, including some of the team’s star players, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers have long been considered the favorites to land Sasaki. Unlike Yamamoto, Sasaki will only require a team’s international bonus pool money and a minor-league contract. If signed, he would form a formidable pitching duo alongside Yamamoto in the Dodgers’ rotation, creating one of the most exciting young pitching tandems in baseball. Although there has been speculation about a potential handshake agreement between the Dodgers and Sasaki, Wolfe has refuted such claims. However, the Dodgers’ front office, led by Andrew Friedman, has made it clear that Sasaki is a top priority for the organization.
San Diego Padres: The Padres are typically one of the most active teams in free agency, but this offseason has been quieter due to their limited payroll flexibility. Despite this, the Padres have shown a strong interest in Sasaki, with evidence suggesting that they are making a significant push for his services. Notably, the Padres employ Yu Darvish, who serves as Sasaki’s mentor, which could play a crucial role in Sasaki’s decision.
Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays met with Sasaki in Toronto last week, and reports indicate that they feel confident following their pitch. Toronto offers a different appeal than the Dodgers and Padres, as they were not a playoff team in 2024 and have uncertainties surrounding the futures of key players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, who will be free agents after the 2025 season. However, the Blue Jays can offer Sasaki the opportunity to lead the team back to prominence, as well as potential marketing opportunities in Toronto.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to which team offers the best opportunity for Sasaki to achieve both baseball success and long-term career growth.