The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes are winding down as three teams have emerged as finalists to sign the Japanese phenom pitcher. According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays are the remaining suitors for Sasaki.
The Yankees, Giants, Rangers, and Mets are out of the running, with their teams informing Sasaki that he won’t sign with them. The Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays have all met with Sasaki, with the Padres hosting him over the weekend and the Blue Jays visiting with him in Toronto.
The Dodgers have been considered a favorite to acquire Sasaki throughout the offseason and have told other international prospects to reclassify and sign with the team. Sasaki’s agent has indicated that he will sign with a team by January 23, which is the deadline for the 45-day window for international amateurs.
Sasaki’s expected to take up a significant portion of the international signing bonus pool, which ranges from $7,555,500 to $5,146,200. The Dodgers have already addressed their rotation this offseason, signing Blake Snell to a six-year deal, and if they land Sasaki, they would have one of the most formidable rotations on paper in recent memory.
The Padres have been quiet this offseason, while the Blue Jays have added a few pieces, including reliever Jeff Hoffman and second baseman Andrés Giménez. Sasaki’s signing would further solidify the Padres’ rotation as one of the best in baseball.
