Japanese flamethrower Roki Sasaki is all set to hit the big leagues, with the amateur signing period just a few weeks away. Sasaki’s demand keeps growing as teams have already made their pitch to persuade the pitcher.
The Yankees, Cubs, Mets, Rangers, and Giants have already met the star pitcher. While other teams are in pursuit, the Los Angeles Dodgers became the sixth team to meet him. The Yankees GM Brian Cashman was prepped to bring Sasaki to the Bronx. The same goes with Steven Cohen and all the other members.
Yet the Dodgers seem to have made the competition a little more challenging. Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Freeman made a statement after meeting Sasaki. Freeman’s message will shock other teams, as he’s made Sasaki their top priority.
“He is someone that, obviously, is a major priority for us. We are going to do whatever we can and know that a lot of other teams will do the same thing,” Freeman said via the Dodgers Nation.
With the Dodgers back in the race, it will be a difficult challenge for teams like the Rangers, Mets, and Yankees.
Dodgers Will Have A Tough Competition For Roki Sasaki With Their NL West Rival
The San Diego Padres are one of the favorites to sign Sasaki, but they are yet to meet with the pitcher. The Padres have Yu Darvish, who is Sasaki’s idol. That said, they will have a slight advantage in this race if they pursue him.
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However, it all depends on what they offer and how his future looks with the team. For now, they seem to have an edge over other teams. The Padres will try their luck with Sasaki.
Rumors are that the team would trade Dylan Cease if they brought Sasaki to San Diego. The Dodgers could use more pitchers in their starting rotation. Clayton Kershaw is questionable, and Walker Buhler has gone to the Red Sox. Sasaki would be a great addition to the team and would make them top World Series contenders again.
