The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes seems to be coming to an end, and a signing is imminent. While there hasn’t been much information about who has the edge, let us break down each team’s case for the flame-throwing righty.
What we know
Before we discuss each team’s case, we must remember what we do know. Early in his posting, it was reported that Roki wants to go to a team that will help him develop his pitching. It was also noted that he might not be willing to go to a big-market team because he had some mental health issues with the Japanese media.
Padres
The Padres have just as much of a case for Roki Sasaki as anyone. The Padres have done a great job at developing their pitchers these past few years. While they are in the big market of California, the Dodgers always overshadow the Padres. This would be an excellent place for Sasaki to go if he wants less media coverage. The significant advantage that the Padres have is Yu Darvish. Darvish has mentored Sasaki since his rise in the Nippon Professional Baseball; Roki leaned on Darvish a lot during Japan’s World Baseball Classic run in 2023.
Dodgers
Not much needs to be said about this fit for Sasaki; not only will he have teammates he knows in Shoehi Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but he will also be going to the reigning World Series Champions. In terms of the Dodgers ability to develop pitching, they are as good as anyone, and Sasaki will have so many brains to pick. The Dodgers do not have as much money as other teams when it comes to signing Sasaki, but if Sasaki was all about money he would have waited two more years to be posted.
Mariners
One of the more underrated spots for Sasaki would be the Mariners. The Mariners have turned into a pitching factory these past few years and have a rich history of Japanese players. It would be no surprise if the soon-to-be Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki is trying to pitch Sasaki to Seattle. While the Mariners haven’t been mentioned much in the sweepstakes, do not be surprised if they land the Japanese star due to their reputation for developing pitchers and rich history.
Prediction
Given everything, I believe that pitching on the same team as his mentor will win over Sasaki, and he will join the Padres.
