The Yankees are chasing a dream —Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese pitching phenom, is the crown jewel of this offseason’s international market.
While the odds might not favor the Bronx Bombers, their name remains firmly in the mix as we inch closer to the January 15 signing deadline.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Yankees are one of several MLB powerhouses still vying for Sasaki’s signature, alongside the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, Rangers, Mets, and possibly the Giants.
Sasaki isn’t just another international prospect. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent, the kind of pitcher who can light up a radar gun and has the control to match.
His career trajectory has already drawn comparisons to legends, and the Yankees would love nothing more than to add him to their rotation.
Why Sasaki May be Interested in the Yankees
Growing up idolizing former Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka gives the Bronx faithful even more reason to hope. But the process isn’t so simple.
Due to his young age, Sasaki is subject to international bonus pool restrictions rather than free agency. This means teams are playing a financial chess game to win his services.
The Yankees, however, have reportedly “committed significant resources” to scouting Sasaki throughout 2024, proving they’re all in.
And despite early whispers that a smaller-market team might have an edge, his agent, Joel Wolfe, has clarified that market size won’t influence Sasaki’s decision.
If they pull this off, imagine the rotation: Gerrit Cole anchoring the staff, Carlos Rodon as the southpaw powerhouse, rookie sensation Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt holding his own, and now Max Fried fresh off a $218 million signing. Add Sasaki to the mix, and you’re looking at one of the scariest pitching units in baseball.
Sure, it’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened. The Yankees can turn a strong rotation into an untouchable juggernaut. Keep your eyes on this one—it could be a franchise-altering move.
