The Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki as they aim to enhance their pitching staff. Club officials recently welcomed Sasaki, 23, to Toronto prior to the opening of the international signing period, which begins Wednesday. Teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs are also in contention for the talented player, who must make his signing decision by January 23.
While the Blue Jays may not seem like the most fitting option for Sasaki, considering their recent challenges in developing homegrown pitching talent, they are looking to shift that narrative. The last significant homegrown pitcher to make 30 starts in consecutive seasons for Toronto was Marcus Stroman in 2016-17.
Sasaki’s past connections could sway his decision. He is likely reflecting on the experiences of other Japanese players, such as Yusei Kikuchi, who spent time with the Blue Jays. Despite Kikuchi’s struggles during his tenure with Toronto, he thrived after moving to the Houston Astros, showcasing the potential for pitchers to develop elsewhere.
Moreover, the Blue Jays are no strangers to targeting high-profile players, with their recent attempts at acquiring Shohei Ohtani and their engagement in the high-stakes free agency market. Although they’ve faced challenges landing significant signings this offseason, such as missing out on Juan Soto, they have made strategic moves to improve their roster, including a trade for second baseman Andrés Giménez and the addition of free-agent relievers.
As it stands, the Blue Jays’ starting rotation is projected to feature Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Bowden Francis, Chris Bassitt, and Yariel Rodríguez. The potential signing of Sasaki would not only strengthen their rotation but could also allow for strategic trades or positional adjustments, especially in their bullpen.
This pursuit signifies the Blue Jays’ commitment to improving their pitching capabilities and diversifying their roster with international talent. As the signing period approaches, fans are hopeful that Sasaki may see the Blue Jays as a promising option for his next career move.