As Roki Sasaki heads closer to a pivotal decision that could significantly impact Major League Baseball, the highly sought-after Japanese right-hander is actively exploring potential teams. Over the past weekend, officials from the San Diego Padres hosted Sasaki at their facilities, following his visit to the Toronto Blue Jays earlier in the week.
Currently 23 years old, Sasaki is eligible to sign with a big-league team as the 2025 international signing period commences on Wednesday. While the former star of the Chiba Lotte Marines is not expected to finalize a choice immediately, he must decide by January 23, which marks the conclusion of a 45-day posting window.
Both the Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers are viewed as frontrunners in the race for Sasaki’s signature, having conducted initial meetings with him in Los Angeles, where his agency operates. Following the holiday season in Japan, Sasaki is anticipated to tour several cities in the U.S. as he evaluates his options.
Notably, the Padres have conveyed to other international prospects in their upcoming signing class to consider postponing their decisions until 2026, indicating a strong focus on securing Sasaki’s services, which would require utilizing a significant portion of their international bonus pool. Given the franchise’s challenges, including a public ownership dispute, the addition of Sasaki could be crucial for their future.
The Padres are particularly optimistic, aided by veteran pitcher Yu Darvish, who has developed a close relationship with Sasaki after sharing the field during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Darvish has expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with Sasaki, reflecting the team’s commitment to make a compelling case for his signing.
In summary, as Sasaki weighs his options, the Padres’ enthusiasm, combined with Darvish’s mentorship, positions them as strong contenders to attract the talented young pitcher.
This situation exemplifies the evolving landscape of international baseball and the potential for new talents to reshape franchises. The outcome of Sasaki’s decision could usher in a new era for whichever team he chooses, making this a highly anticipated moment for fans and officials alike.