The Japanese baseball camp is filled with talents that are perfected for shipment overseas. And in case everybody is wondering why Roki Sasaki is still not shipped, he is waiting for teams to come clean about who can be the perfect suitor for him.
Sasaki has been first linked with the New York Yankees, then with the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, and then with the Dodgers. And from what we know, per recent rumors, the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a surprising dark horse in the race. After missing another Japanese superstar, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, they are the new contender for Sasaki’s services.
While we wait to see where Roki Sasaki lands, he is keeping busy 👀 pic.twitter.com/Kz27eQ9wtd
— MLB (@MLB) January 9, 2025
For a while, it looked like the Phillies had little chance of bringing Sasaki into the fold. Reports indicated that Sasaki’s camp wasn’t too keen on them, putting a damper on their efforts. However, the tide may be turning. Rumors are swirling about a secret meeting between Sasaki and an undisclosed team.
This potential acquisition is exciting for several reasons. The Phillies can offer Sasaki significant development opportunities. With pitching coach Caleb Cotham at the helm, the team has a strong history of nurturing young talent. Sasaki has already demonstrated remarkable promise. Joining this organization could be crucial for him in achieving his dreams of MLB stardom.
Also Read: MLB 2025 Rookie Of The Year Prediction: Here Are Top 5 Contenders
Los Angeles Dodgers Might Not Be The Place For Roki Sasaki
The Los Angeles Dodgers are having a tough time trying to sign Roki Sasaki, a talented 23-year-old pitcher. They were once seen as the top team to get him, but now they face serious competition from the San Diego Padres and the New York Yankees.
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It’s being reported that Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old phenom from Japan, has met with at least one mystery team. Could that mystery team be the #Angels? Most talk has pointed to him likely signing with the Dodgers or Padres.
— ⚾️🏈Joseph🏀🏒 (@loveofsports24) January 9, 2025
But with the drama surrounding the Padres lately and… pic.twitter.com/aNXufpulM6
Even with their recent signings of Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers are struggling to land Sasaki. The rules for international signings in MLB are complicated and limit how much teams can offer. This makes it harder for the Dodgers to stand out, as all teams must find ways to appeal to Sasaki’s goals and dreams, not just his desire for money.
As the January 15 international signing period nears, Sasaki’s intentions are becoming clearer. He seems driven by a desire to excel. This is not just about landing a lucrative contract for him. There are reports of his engagement with several clubs, including the Padres and the Yankees. This has created a surge of interest in signing young talent.
Also Read: Roki Sasaki Trade: Steve Cohen Stuns Rivals As Mets Move Closer To Deal For Japanese Star
