Roki Sasaki Rumors: Yankees, Mets, Dodgers already scouting potential MLB prospect in Japanese debut season

It is expected that Roki Sasaki will become a part of MLB as early as next offseason, following in the footsteps of other WBC-winning aces such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shota Imanaga. He has caught the attention of several prominent teams.

As reported by CBS Sports, several teams including the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets are currently evaluating Sasaki for a potential transfer in the upcoming offseason.

According to an undisclosed GM speaking to USA Today, it is highly probable that the Dodgers will secure Roki Sasaki, out of all the teams expressing interest.

“Every team in baseball wants this guy but there’s no way he’s going anywhere else but the Dodgers,”an unnamed GM said, via CBS Sports. “We all know it.”

Sasaki is currently playing as a starter for the Chiba Lotte Mariners in Japan’s professional baseball league, NPB. If he is posted as an international free agent next season, the Mariners will receive a 15% reduced signing bonus compared to if they wait to post him until he turns 25. The Orix Buffaloes earned $50.6 million when they posted a 25-year-old player, Yamamoto, last year.

Despite not yet making his big league debut, Yamamoto was already considered the most highly valued pitcher in MLB history. With Roki Sasaki’s impressive reputation, it is anticipated that he will reach a similar level of success. Additionally, at just 22 years old, MLB teams have the potential to secure a talented young player for many years to come if he becomes available next offseason.

Top MLB Teams for Japanese Pitching Prospect Roki Sasaki

It is undeniable that teams like the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers will go to great lengths to secure a deal. During the previous offseason, these three teams were the top contenders in the bidding war for Yamamoto. Ultimately, the Dodgers were able to persuade Yamamoto with a 12-year, $325 million contract.

The Dodgers possess a formidable lineup, including MVP-caliber players such as Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Additionally, their rotation has been reinforced by the presence of talented pitchers like Tyler Glasnow and Yamamoto. The potential addition of Roki Sasaki to the team next year would further fortify their pitching, with the possibility of Ohtani also resuming his role as a pitcher.

At the same time, the Yankees are still looking for a starting pitcher but have not been successful in their search. They were able to secure a two-year contract with Marcus Stroman, but have not had much luck beyond that. Sasaki would be a valuable addition to the team and could greatly enhance their presence in Japan, similar to what Mashiro Tanaka accomplished.

Despite the Mets having a slow offseason, they are actively preparing for the upcoming year. One of their current players, Kodai Senga, may sway Sasaki’s decision to join the Mets as his first MLB team.

Aside from these teams, the Cubs, who successfully acquired the coveted Shota Imanaga, and the Giants, who secured former KBO MVP Jung Hoo Lee this season, could potentially become contenders in the pursuit of Roki Sasaki in the future.