Let’s talk about one of the most electric names in the offseason market: Roki Sasaki. This 22-year-old Japanese pitching sensation has scouts buzzing, and naturally, the Atlanta Braves seem like they should be in the conversation.
After all, Sasaki wouldn’t cost them a big free-agent contract, just international bonus pool money. A theoretical bargain for a team that’s no stranger to savvy moves, right?
But here’s the thing, reality seems to be far from theory. The Braves are notably absent from Bleacher Report’s top 10 landing spots for Sasaki. The list was put together by Zachary Rymer. That’s a head-scratcher, considering Atlanta’s need for another solid starter.
Meanwhile, their NL East rivals, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, are on the list. The Mets rank a strong third, and the Phillies sit eighth. So why is Atlanta nowhere to be found in the world?
Big Names, Big Markets — But Not Atlanta
First off, let’s state the obvious. Sometimes, it’s not about what a team wants to do but what’s out of their control. Sasaki’s agent may talk about a “soft landing” for his young client. Everyone thought the Braves were in a great spot to land him.
But let’s face it — most top-tier Japanese stars find their way to the biggest markets. The glitz, the glamor, the exposure; all of that comes with teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets.
The Dodgers, fresh off a World Series title and already home to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, are sitting pretty as public favorites. The Yankees and Mets?
They are two classic big-market juggernauts with deep pockets and a history of star signings. Even the Cubs make sense, thanks to the draw of Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki.
And then there’s the real wild card: the Tampa Bay Rays. Yep, the team known for Moneyball wizardry has crept into the Sasaki conversation. Why? Because they’ve got the international bonus pool cash to make it happen.
The Braves’ Spending Limitations
Now, their exclusion might come down to cold, hard numbers for the Braves. Recent reports suggest they’re set to sign Diego Tornes, one of the top-five international prospects, for a hefty $3 million.
If that deal goes through, they’ll be stretched thin when it comes to international pool money. And just like that, the Sasaki dream could be out the window.
It’s not that the Braves don’t want a pitcher like Sasaki. Of course, they do. The rotation could absolutely use another big arm to support Spencer Strider and Chris Sale. This could be a case of timing and budget constraints aligning to push them out of the race.
What’s Next for the Atlanta Braves?
These are just projections, so all hope is not lost. The Braves might still target him behind the scenes, ready to move when the timing is right. But realistically, don’t bet on it. If they’re missing from the top third of teams gunning for Sasaki, it’s probably for a good reason.
The more likely scenario? The Braves keep their eyes on the free-agent and trade markets. There’s still value to be found there, even if it doesn’t come with the hype of an international phenom like Sasaki.
Atlanta’s front office has built a powerhouse by being smart, not flashy. If Sasaki’s out of reach, trust them to find the next best thing — even if it doesn’t dominate the offseason headlines.
