Roki Sasaki Has Narrowed Down His Top Choices to Three Teams
The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes is winding on down and getting closer and closer to completion. Many teams initially showed interest, giving Roki many team suitors to choose and select from over the last several weeks. But after some serious deliberation it looks like the highly sought after pitcher has whittled down his options. This week Roki Sasaki has narrowed down his top choices to just three teams.
On Monday, several teams had received word that Sasaki had decided to pass on joining their ball club. Franchises such as the Texas Rangers, as well as the New York Yankees. Other teams like the Seattle Mariners were interested, but were also not selected.
But three teams are still in the mix. And really there is not really a surprise with any of them. As Jeff Passan confirms,
“The finalists for Japanese star right-hander Roki Sasaki are the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, sources tell ESPN. Sasaki will decide on his team by the closing of his posting window Jan. 23.”
Sasaki has been on the baseball world’s radar since throwing a 19-strikeout perfect game as a 20-year-old in 2022. And he is an attractive addition to any starting pitching roster due to his elite velocity with a devastating swing-and-miss splitter/forkball.
Furthermore last season Sasaki was 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 111 innings in Japan’s NPB. He also has an ace-level career 2.02 ERA. Plus of course, there are the financial benefits.
As CBS Sports points out, “Because he is younger than 25, the 23-year-old Sasaki is subject to the international bonus pools, meaning he will sign a minor-league contract with a signing bonus that will not exceed $10 million or so, and could come in quite a bit under that.”
Roki Sasaki Has Narrowed Down His Top Choices to Three Teams
Throughout this process the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have been spoken of being favorites to land Roki. Both franchises bring something valuable to the table. The Dodgers have a stacked super team that has been strategically built to win championships now; and a lot of them. Currently, they are sitting comfortably as reigning world champions.
On the Padres side of the ball they offer first class pitching development. Many recent pitchers that have passed through the organization have now earned lucrative contracts and deals. Sasaki previously revealed that he is looking for three things in a team. He is looking for potential income from endorsements, chances to win and pitching development. Therefore, no wonder he has the Padres and Dodgers on his short list.
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