Key pros and cons of 3 finalists vying for Sasaki
And then there were three.
While eight teams were known to have met in person with Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, five of those have been informed that they are out of the running: the Cubs, Giants, Mets, Rangers and Yankees. That leaves three finalists, according to a report from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman: the Blue Jays, Dodgers and Padres.
It won¡¯t be long before we learn of Sasaki¡¯s decision. The 23-year-old phenom could sign as soon as the 2025 international amateur signing period begins on Wednesday. Sasaki, who was posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball on Dec. 9, must sign by the time his negotiating window closes on Jan. 23.
For now, here is a closer look at the three reported finalists.
Blue Jays
Via Blue Jays beat reporter Keegan Matheson
Why might Sasaki pick them?
The Blue Jays can¡¯t point to a specific area of pitching development. This organization hasn't had enough success in the Minors, but Sasaki isn¡¯t an 18-year-old kid learning a changeup. The Blue Jays have had a great deal of success with veteran starters, though, and have kept them healthy. Look to Robbie Ray and Yusei Kikuchi as two examples of Pete Walker and the Blue Jays turning talent into results. Then, with Kevin Gausman, Jos¨¦ Berr¨ªos and Chris Bassitt, they¡¯ve helped starters maintain their success and stay on the mound. Sasaki falls somewhere in the middle at 23, but on top of the Blue Jays¡¯ development complex and other resources, they can make a fine pitch that he¡¯ll be in good hands in the big leagues.
Why might they fall short in the bidding?
Where does Sasaki want to live and how much does he value competitiveness in 2025? This isn¡¯t a ¡°Canada thing¡± either, just the simple matter of going up against two West Coast teams that Sasaki could prefer. In terms of winning, the Blue Jays don¡¯t stack up well here coming off a 74-88 season without a playoff win to point to since 2016. He could help change that, of course, but it¡¯s an obstacle the Blue Jays need to work around.
What would landing Sasaki mean for them?
Relief, as much as anything, after the Blue Jays¡¯ very public pursuits of Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes fell short. Sasaki would also transform the club¡¯s rotation, joining the veteran trio of Gausman, Berr¨ªos and Bassitt as the future ace of the staff. This would also grab the Blue Jays a piece of the Japanese baseball market, which they¡¯ve been after for years, while reigniting a fan base that¡¯s long deserved something to be excited about.
Dodgers
Via Dodgers beat reporter Sonja Chen
Why might Sasaki pick them?
The Dodgers have a lot going in their favor. They¡¯ve seen mixed results with drafting and developing pitchers, but then again, Sasaki isn't a true amateur. He's not a finished product either, and the Dodgers are great at getting the best out of those types of players. L.A. knows how to help starting pitchers from Japan adjust to the Majors, as it did with Yoshinobu Yamamoto last year, and since the team is likely to use a six-man rotation, Sasaki could pitch on the rest he's accustomed to. Above all, the Dodgers give him the chance to win for all six seasons he would be under club control. Not every team can offer that kind of outlook in the long run.
Why might they fall short in the bidding?
The Dodgers weathered many injuries to pitchers in 2024, especially in the rotation. It's not a Dodgers-specific problem -- it has happened all across the Majors and Minors in recent years. Sasaki has a recent injury history, having dealt with shoulder and oblique issues in the past couple of years, so this could be a point of concern for him.
What would landing Sasaki mean for them?
It's not just about the Dodgers pushing the chips in as they try to be the first team since the Yankees (1998-2000) to repeat as World Series champions -- and yes, they would benefit from adding another starting pitcher to make that a reality. This is about building a powerhouse and showing that Los Angeles is the destination for talented players who want to win. There's a difference between being a successful team and a dynasty, and a young, controllable player like Sasaki could be the piece the team needs to push it over the edge.
Padres
Via Padres beat reporter AJ Cassavell
Why might Sasaki pick them?
From the moment Sasaki was posted at last month¡¯s Winter Meetings, the Padres have been confident in their pitch. Manager Mike Shildt laid it out then, saying: "I feel like we're in a good spot for a multitude of reasons. One, we're in San Diego. We sell out our ballpark every night. We have a very competitive ballclub. And it's a chance for him to come in and create a legacy for himself -- to help win the first World Series." Additionally, Sasaki and veteran right-hander Yu Darvish, teammates at the World Baseball Classic, are close. The Padres can also point to their pitching development under Ruben Niebla -- and specifically, their management of workloads.
Why might they fall short in the bidding?
The Padres should be plenty confident in what they have to offer. But the main question mark is a big one: their long-term trajectory. They¡¯ve yet to add a big league free agent or make a trade this winter. They¡¯re on the hook for a number of long-term contracts that will run into players¡¯ late 30s and early 40s. The Padres haven¡¯t been nearly as aggressive as they were under beloved late owner Peter Seidler. There are clear reasons for optimism with young, core pieces like Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. on board. But just how long will the Padres¡¯ contention window be open? (To be clear: Adding Sasaki could go a long way toward prolonging it.)
What would landing Sasaki mean for them?
Of the teams on this list ¨C and really, all 30 in baseball ¨C there probably isn¡¯t one that needs Sasaki more than the Padres. They¡¯ve built a contending roster. They also don¡¯t seem to have much flexibility to add this winter, given their inclination to remain under the Competitive Balance Tax. That leaves them with few options. Sasaki ¨C making only a rookie salary plus bonus pool money ¨C is their clearest path to a major upgrade this offseason.