Roki Sasaki Predicted to Sign With Padres Over Dodgers by MLB Insider

Roki Sasaki is nearing his rookie season in the Major Leagues. But, the Japanese-born starting pitcher has yet to sign with an MLB team this offseason. 

Sasaki has been heavily linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have two Japanese-born starters already on their roster. However, in a world where the Dodgers do not sign Sasaki, the San Diego Padres seem like the next best option. 

MLB insider David Schoenfield predicted Sasaki to sign with the Padres. Not only is San Diego coming off an impressive postseason run, but the Padres have a smaller market than the Dodgers. Additionally, San Diego’s roster consists of starting pitcher Yu Darvish, who was teammates with Sasaki at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

“The Padres can sell their smaller market and playing alongside Yu Darvish, Sasaki’s favorite player as a kid,” Schoenfield wrote.

Darvish has expressed his desire to reunite with his former teammate. However, he acknowledges that he has little control over Sasaki’s decision. Regardless, Darvish said he is willing to participate in any of the Padres’ meetings with Sasaki throughout the offseason.

Schoenfield emphasized the importance of signing with a team that offers a “good park for pitchers,” making West Coast teams likely candidates for Sasaki. If neither the Dodgers nor the Padres sign Sasaki, Schoenfield discussed potential alternatives.

“The Mariners can certainly tout their pitcher-friendly ballpark and recent success in developing young starters (and, so far, keeping them healthy).” MLB insider David Schoenfield wrote. “The Rangers and Cubs have been mentioned as possibilities. And, of course, don’t rule out the Yankees or Mets if the big-market “issue” isn’t really an issue.”

Sasaki has until Jan. 23 to decide on where to begin his career in the big leagues. The new international signing period starts on Jan. 15. Therefore, Sasaki will likely come to a decision during those eight days.