RHP Roki Sasaki Narrows MLB Choices to Dodgers, Blue Jays
Roki Sasaki, the highly sought-after Japanese right-hander, has reportedly reduced his list of MLB suitors to two final contenders: the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. This development was shared by veteran MLB reporter Francys Romero, who also noted that Sasaki has eliminated the San Diego Padres from contention.
Sasaki, widely regarded as one of the top international free agents, has drawn interest from at least eight MLB teams during the current international signing period, which opened on Wednesday. The signing window is brief, giving Sasaki and other international players until Thursday at 5 p.m. ET to finalize contracts. If Sasaki does not reach a deal, he will return to the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the 2025 season.
Contract Restrictions and Financial Details
Due to his age and MLB rules governing international players, Sasaki is subject to restrictions on contract terms. Players under 25 and with fewer than six years of professional experience in a foreign league recognized by MLB are limited to signing within a team’s bonus pool allocation. Sasaki, who will turn 24 in November, would remain under these limitations for at least two more seasons.
This situation is reminiscent of Shohei Ohtani’s initial MLB signing with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. Ohtani himself reportedly participated in a second meeting between Sasaki and the Dodgers earlier this week, according to The Athletic.
Both the Blue Jays and the Padres had approximately $6.3 million in available bonus pool funds as of the December Winter Meetings, giving them an edge over the Dodgers, who reportedly have $1.15 million less. Teams are permitted to acquire additional international bonus pool funds through trades, and MLB.com has reported that the Dodgers and Padres have been actively exploring such options.
Sasaki’s Meteoric Rise
Sasaki’s reputation as a generational talent began in high school, where he set a record with a 101-mph fastball. He further solidified his status during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he dominated against Mexico, averaging 100.5 mph on his fastball in his only start.
His professional accomplishments are equally impressive. In 2022, Sasaki pitched a perfect game in Japan, striking out 19 batters, including a record-setting 13 consecutive strikeouts. These feats, combined with his potential for further growth, have made him one of the most coveted players in international baseball.
The Decision Looms
As the clock ticks toward Thursday’s signing deadline, the Dodgers and Blue Jays remain locked in a fierce competition to secure Sasaki’s signature. Both teams are undoubtedly hoping that the addition of the Japanese phenom will bolster their rosters and bring long-term success. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await Sasaki’s decision, which could have significant implications for the 2025 MLB season and beyond.
