MLB
And then there were three: Yankees out of race for Roki Sasaki as list narrows to just three teams
Just a few days ago, the landscape looked wide open, with the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs looking like spoilers for the Japanese phenom. But the world turns…
In the ever-turning wheel of baseball’s fate, the pursuit of Roki Sasaki has taken a decisive turn. The New York Yankees, along with the Mets, Giants, Rangers, and Cubs, have been informed they’re no longer in contention for the Japanese pitching sensation.
Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander from the Chiba Lotte Marines, has captured the attention of Major League Baseball with his exceptional talent. His fastball, clocked at over 100 mph, and a devastating splitter have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. Notably, on April 10, 2022, he pitched a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes, striking out 19 batters and setting a new world record with 13 consecutive strikeouts.
The Dodgers and Padres have long been considered frontrunners in the Sasaki sweepstakes. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have newly emerged as a serious competitor to land the coveted right-hander, with reports indicating that club officials hosted Sasaki in Toronto last week.
Sasaki’s decision is expected soon after the 2025 international amateur signing period begins on January 15. At 23, he is subject to international bonus pool money restrictions, limiting his initial earnings compared to older free agents. The team that secures his services will have club control for six years before he can test unrestricted free agency.
The Yankees, having previously missed out on Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, now find themselves redirecting their focus to other international prospects, such as Manny Cedeno and Elian Pena.
As the baseball world awaits Sasaki’s decision, the anticipation is palpable. His potential to become one of the game’s elite pitchers makes his choice of team a pivotal moment in this offseason. The Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays each offer unique opportunities for the young phenom, and his integration into Major League Baseball is poised to be a significant event in the sport’s narrative.
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