The Los Angeles Dodgers seem like the inevitable landing spot for free agent starting pitcher Roki Sasaki.
The Dodgers are reportedly one of three finalists in the running for Sasaki. In addition to the Dodgers, the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays also remain in the running.
Sasaki garnered interest from 20 MLB teams throughout the offseason. However, he has eliminated the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers as options.
Sasaki has jumped around from meeting to meeting with the three remaining finalists. After his most recent meeting with the Blue Jays in Toronto, the franchise is reportedly confident that they will sign the Japanese-born superstar.
Unlike the Padres and Dodgers, the Blue Jays did not qualify for the postseason in 2024. Additionally, Toronto could lose first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette to free agency after this season.
While the Dodgers and Padres are likely including their postseason success in their pitch to Sasaki, the Blue Jays present an opportunity for Sasaki to be the star player.
The Dodgers already have two Japanese-born stars in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto and multiple other standout players. Sasaki could be overshadowed by Los Angeles’ superstar roster.
However, if Sasaki is prioritizing success in the playoffs, the Dodgers or Padres may be a better route for the 23-year-old.
Sasaki will have to decide which team to sign with by Jan. 23 or he will have to return to Nippon Professional Baseball for the 2025 season.
