The offseason became much more interesting once it was announced that Roki Sasaki intends to make the leap from NPB to MLB in 2025.
Now that the Juan Soto sweepstakes has ended with a $765 million contract, teams will be fighting for their chance to land the 23-year-old Japanese ace this winter.
Sasaki will be much cheaper because he’s leaving before turning 25, meaning he’s too young to sign anything other than a contract from a team’s international bonus pool – like Shohei Ohtani did in 2017, inking a deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
But which MLB team will land Sasaki? Here’s a look at my pick to sign the star pitcher:
Roki Sasaki Next Team Odds & Favorites
The BetMGM online sportsbook doesn’t offer odds on Roki Sasaki’s next team, but two squads have emerged as the favorites.
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Toronto Blue Jays
The San Diego Padres were originally one of the three finalists, but Francys Romero reported on Friday that they are now out on Sasaki.
Sasaki will now decide between Los Angeles and Toronto. He’s expected to make his decision by Jan. 23.
Roki Sasaki Next Team Prediction: Dodgers to Land SP
The Sasaki sweepstakes appear to be ending in predictable fashion.
The Dodgers have been seen as the front-runners for much of the process, particularly if Sasaki had been posted during the 2024 international signing period when Los Angeles held the largest remaining international signing bonus pool.
With Sasaki being posted in 2025, it gave more teams an opportunity to sign him. The 2025 international signing period started on Jan. 15, and Sasaki must sign with a team by Jan. 23 after being posted on Dec. 9.
But with the likely addition of Sasaki, the Dodgers will have the best rotation in baseball after signing Blake Snell following their World Series victory.
Dodgers’ potential rotation:
- Blake Snell
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Tyler Glasnow
- Shohei Ohtani
- Roki Sasaki
Los Angeles plans to use a six-man rotation, but it will be difficult to beat that five-man staff.
Roki Sasaki’s Next Team Prediction: Dodgers
What Teams Met With Roki Sasaki?
Sasaki met with these teams in the offseason:
- Padres
- Dodgers
- Blue Jays
- Yankees
- Mets
- Cubs
- Rangers
- Giants
Roki Sasaki NPB Stats
- Seasons: 4
- Record: 29-15
- ERA: 2.10
- Strikeouts: 505
- Walks: 88
- Innings pitched: 394 2/3
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