Roki Sasaki, also known as “the Monster of the Reiwa Era” is one of the most exciting names in the Japanese professional football arena and the MLB free agency market, especially this season. The player transitioned from the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB which has increased the competition among teams, eager to sign him.
Sasaki’s Meeting with the Yankees Looms
Roki Sasaki and the New York Mets came together on Thursday as the Japanese ace navigated through free agency following his stellar career overseas. The interest of the Los Angeles Dodgers in signing Saaaki was widely reported while the general manager of the New York Yankees, Brian Cashman stated that the team had been preparing for this meeting for a long time.
Joel Wolfe, Sasaki’s agent, expressed his interest in meeting up with the team a week before and after the holidays, and it can be expected to take place any time next week.
The Yankees have also shown interest; a team who has a long-standing tradition of hiring the top pitching talent in which Sasaki could be the next great arm for their rotation. Added to that, they have shown great interest in spending big if Sasaki fits well into their system.
Sasaki’s comments, however, suggested his willingness to go for smaller markets. During free agency speech, he mentioned that there are very few multiple teams at present who are running compared to what normally would be for a player of his caliber. The main reason for aiming for smaller market teams is to expand the number of potential suitors who are in hand for him.
For more updates on who will finally acquire Sasaki, visit the top MLB betting sites.
Could the Dodgers or Padres Land Sasaki?
Jonathan Mayo of MLB expects either Padres or Dodgers to land the Japanese player despite the former having a very low international signing pool.
All 30 MLB teams can be in the running since the player can no longer earn over $7.5 million this season while the Dodgers are planning to spend yet again huge amounts on their players only if they can bring wins.
The Dodgers have a long standing history of excellent pitching with two of Sasaki’s teammates who already joined during the World Baseball Classic.
Mike Shildt, Manager of San Diego Padres, expressed optimism for his team’s ability to sign Sasaki and has already received seven votes. There is a strong connection between Sasaki and the Padres, especially when it comes to his close friendship with Yu Darvish.
In addition, Hideo Nomo’s presence within this organization serves as an important assistant, playing a significant role in Sasaki’s decision.
Mets, Mariners, and Other Teams in the Mix for Sasaki
Andy Martino of the SNY reported on 20 December that the Mets met with Sasaki on Thursday 19 December. Although there are no additional details regarding the meeting, considering the Mets’ willingness to aim for star players, even if it’s expensive, there is a possibility of getting Sasaki convinced and get him to sign the contract with the team.
The Mets recently signed Juan Soto with a huge deal worth $765 million, which only shows more possibility for their affordability of Sasaki for at least this season as the team looks forward to compete for the World Series title again.
Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com believes in the Mariners who are yet to be the season’s buzz as they are in dire need of an offense rather than a picture. Considering Seattle’s history with Ichiro Suzuki, Yusei Kikuchi, and Hisashi Iwakuma, and the potential to build pitchers, Sasaki might find Seattle to be an interesting option.
The rotation of George Kirby, Bryce Miller, Logan Gilbert, and Sasaki might become near unstoppable and the Mariners might emerge as the dark horse who might have the funds ready to acquire the huge free-agent bat.
Other contenders, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, also make their compelling efforts to acquire Sasaki as they already share ties with the Japanese players.
