Renowned Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, widely regarded for his impressive talent, is on the verge of entering Major League Baseball (MLB) through the posting system. With anticipation building, Suzuka-born Sasaki’s potential move has created significant buzz among MLB teams, particularly the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers, as they vie for his signature.
At 23 years old, Sasaki is subject to international bonus pool money restrictions applicable to foreign-born players who have not reached 25 years of age or have played fewer than six seasons in a professional league recognized by MLB. This makes his entry into MLB a highly scrutinized process. Sasaki’s posting by his Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, is a crucial step in this process, which is expected to transpire in the offseason before the 2025 international amateur signing period begins on January 15.
The San Diego Padres are aggressively pursuing Sasaki, with manager Mike Shildt voicing strong confidence in their chances. Shildt stated that the team expects to be serious contenders for Sasaki, emphasizing their strong ties to the Asian market and the presence of Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish and reliever Yuki Matsui on their roster. The Padres’ organizational efforts, spearheaded by General Manager A.J. Preller, who has even learned Japanese to aid in recruitment, demonstrate their commitment to acquiring top international talent.
The Dodgers also persist as formidable contenders in this race, boasting a history of successful Japanese players, such as Hideo Nomo and Hiroki Kuroda. Sasaki’s potential signing aligns with the Dodgers’ strategy to enhance their roster with international stars. This rivalry between the Padres and the Dodgers highlights the fierce competition to acquire top talent from Japan, with both teams employing significant recruitment efforts to secure Sasaki.
Baseball analyst Jon Heyman suggests that while the Dodgers have long been viewed as favorites, the Padres have emerged as serious competitors. His insights, shared on MLB Network, reiterate the growing belief that the Padres have a solid shot at signing Sasaki. The competition is expected to intensify as the posting date approaches, with Sasaki being a sought-after asset for any team looking to bolster their pitching staff.
Reports from various industry sources reinforce the notion that the Padres are in a strong position to sign Sasaki, particularly due to their multicultural approach and history of successful recruitment of Asian players. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ broad appeal and consistent interest ensure they remain in the running. This juxtaposition sets the stage for an intriguing contest between two of MLB’s most ambitious teams.
As the competition between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers for Roki Sasaki’s signature heats up, both teams are gearing up for a strategic showdown. Sasaki’s decision will significantly impact the dynamics of MLB’s international player landscape, showcasing the increasing influence and appeal of players from Japan in the league.
Source: Mlb
