One of the biggest storylines of the Major League Baseball offseason is almost concluded. The countdown to Roki Sasaki’s next move is officially on!
The 23-year-old right-hander, who has captivated baseball scouts and fans alike, is nearing the end of his decision-making process.
With his posting window closing on January 23, Sasaki has reportedly narrowed his options to three teams: the Toronto Blue Jays, the San Diego Padres, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In case you missed it, he’s already taken trips to Toronto and San Diego, and now he’s meeting with the Dodgers according to The Athletic. The anticipation is sky-high, and it’s not hard to see why.
A Generational Talent Ready for the Big Leagues
Let’s talk about Sasaki’s talent, which is nothing short of dazzling. This kid has been electric in Nippon Professional Baseball.
He is sporting a jaw-dropping 2.10 ERA and striking out a staggering 32.7% of batters he’s faced. For context, those are ace-level numbers in the MLB—think Gerrit Cole or Max Scherzer territory.
And yet, thanks to MLB’s quirky international signing rules, Sasaki won’t command the nine-figure deal he’d deserve if he were just a couple of years older.
Instead, he’ll likely sign for just a few million dollars, though the signing team will also pay a modest posting fee to his NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Why the Dodgers Seem Like the Perfect Fit for Sasaki
Why are the Dodgers considered the favorites? For starters, Japanese players often prefer West Coast teams due to the shorter flight times from Japan, not to mention the sizable Japanese-American communities that make the transition smoother.
The Dodgers also bring a winning culture, with a streak of playoff appearances stretching over a decade and a World Series trophy from just a few years ago.
Plus, they’ve already got Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the roster, which could make Sasaki feel right at home.
But let’s not hand Sasaki the Dodger-blue jersey just yet. There are plenty of reasons why he might consider going elsewhere. For one, the bright lights of Los Angeles aren’t for everyone.
Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, has hinted that the young pitcher might benefit from a smaller market, away from the intense media scrutiny he faced in Japan.
And while the Dodgers are always a magnet for endorsement deals, Sasaki might find more opportunities to stand out in Toronto or San Diego, where he wouldn’t be competing with Ohtani and Yamamoto for the spotlight.
Let’s not forget the Dodgers’ recent track record of pitcher injuries could be a potential red flag for Sasaki.
The Padres and Blue Jays: Hungry for a Game-Changer
On the other side of the spectrum, the Padres and Blue Jays are hungry for a big win. The Padres, strapped for cash after some hefty contracts, could use Sasaki to bolster their rotation without breaking the bank.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are looking to rebound from a disappointing season and desperately need a spark, especially with some key players nearing free agency.
No matter where Sasaki lands, his decision will send shockwaves through the league. Will he join the perennial powerhouse Dodgers? Shake things up with the Padres?
Or become the ace the Blue Jays have been searching for? One thing’s for sure—the baseball world is holding its breath, and the news could break any moment.
