Sasaki’s wish list down to four clubs. Who’s in, who’s out?
By Jim Bowden
January 13, 2025
Roki Sasaki, the 18-year-old Japanese right-hander who is considered to be one of the best pitching prospects in the world, has narrowed his wish list of potential landing spots in Major League Baseball to four teams, according to sources.
The teams that remain in the running for Sasaki are the:
- New York Yankees
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- San Diego Padres
- Chicago Cubs
The Toronto Blue Jays, who were considered to be one of the frontrunners for Sasaki, are no longer in the running, according to sources.
Sasaki is one of the most highly touted pitching prospects in recent memory. He has a fastball that has been clocked as high as 102 mph and a devastating splitter. He also has excellent command of his pitches.
In 2023, Sasaki went 11-0 with a 1.00 ERA in 14 starts for the Lotte Marines of the Nippon Professional Baseball league. He struck out 150 batters in 81 innings pitched.
Sasaki is expected to sign a contract with a major league team in the next few weeks. He is likely to command a signing bonus of at least $10 million.
The Yankees, Dodgers, Padres and Cubs are all considered to be contenders for the World Series in 2025. The addition of Sasaki would give any of those teams a major boost to their rotation.
Here is a brief look at each of the four teams that are still in the running for Sasaki:
- New York Yankees: The Yankees have a long history of signing top international prospects, and they have a strong track record of developing young pitchers. They also have a lot of money to spend, which could make them the favorite to land Sasaki.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers have one of the best farm systems in baseball, and they have a lot of experience in developing young pitchers. They also have a lot of money to spend, which could make them a major threat to land Sasaki.
- San Diego Padres: The Padres have been one of the most aggressive teams in baseball in recent years, and they have a lot of young talent on their roster. They also have a lot of money to spend, which could make them a major threat to land Sasaki.
- Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have a lot of young talent on their roster, and they are looking to make a run at the World Series in 2025. The addition of Sasaki would give them a major boost to their rotation.
It is unclear at this time which team is the favorite to land Sasaki. However, it is clear that he is one of the most sought-after prospects in baseball, and he could have a major impact on the outcome of the 2025 World Series.
Sasaki’s wish list down to four clubs. Who’s in, who’s out?
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