THREE teams are leading the battle to sign Roki Sasaki.
The Japanese pitcher, 23, is one of the most coveted stars of the MLB off season.
APRoki Sasaki is one of the most coveted players of the MLB off season[/caption]
Sasaki has wowed team executives with his exploits for Japanese team Chiba Lotte Marines.
In 2022 he even turned heads by achieving a perfect game, with 19 strikeouts.
Per Front Office Sports, the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as the top contenders to land Sasaki.
The rising star would not be subject to a posting fee.
He has until January 23 to make his decision.
Sasaki is represented by agent Joel Wolfe.
Through Wolfe, Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow has attempted to recruit Sasaki.
Appearing on Foul Territory TV, Glasnow detailed his phone conversation with the phenom.
He emphasised the Dodgers’ commitment to player development, and how Sasaki could get better should he opt to join the program.
“I told him something like I hadn’t played for the other two organizations,” Glasnow began.
“But if one of your main goals is to become the best pitcher you can be, in terms of development and all that, in terms of scouting reports and all that, I said ‘This is the place for you’.”
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has admitted that Sasaki is a primary target.
“He’s someone that is obviously a major priority for us,” he said.
“We’re going to do whatever we can, and know that there are a lot of other teams that are going to do the exact same thing.”
‘NUMEROUS CONVERSATIONS’
Earlier this year, Wolfe detailed what he and Sasaki are looking for when picking his new team.
“We’ve had numerous conversations about team location, market size, team success — things like that,” he said.
“He doesn’t seem to look at it in the typical way that other players do.
“He has a more long-term, global view of things.
“I believe Roki is also very interested in the pitching development and how a team is going to help him get better both in the near future and over the course of his career.”
All eyes will be on Sasaki’s decision as we get closer to January 23.
https://www.the-sun.com/sport/13316111/roki-sasaki-dodgers-blue-jays-padres-mlb/