The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes are nearing a conclusion with the 2025 international signing period starting on Jan. 15.
However, Joel Wolfe, Sasaki’s agent from Wasserman Media Group, indicated last month that his client would not necessarily join a team on the first day he was eligible to sign. What is certain is Sasaki’s decision must be made by Jan. 23, when his 45-day posting window closes.
In the time since the Chiba Lotte Marines made the Japanese phenom available for free agency, Sasaki has reportedly met with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, New York Mets and New York Yankees at Wasserman’s offices in Southern California.
He additionally is said to have visited with the Toronto Blue Jays last week and made a trip to San Diego over the weekend.
While those teams seemingly remain in the running, Sasaki eliminated the Yankees from consideration, per Jack Curry of the YES Network:
Source: The Yankees have been told Sasaki will not be signing with them.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) January 13, 2025
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets also will not being signing Sasaki:
Mets are indeed out on Sasaki https://t.co/wR96RdQsBm
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2025
In addition to the New York teams, the Rangers are ruled out from the Sasaki sweepstakes as well, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News:
Roki Sasaki has informed Rangers he will be signing elsewhere, per person familiar with process.
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) January 13, 2025
The 23-year-old seemingly ruling out signing with the Mets, Yankees or Rangers doesn’t come as much of a surprise as it long had been reported his preference is to join a West Coast team. Though, it also has been reported the Giants are out of the running as well.
That’s further fueled speculation that Sasaki ultimately is deciding between the Dodgers and Padres.
Even with the Dodgers signing Blake Snell this offseason and expecting a handful of returning starters this season, Sasaki has remained a priority.
Dodgers hope for additional Roki Sasaki meeting
It’s unclear if the Dodgers secured a second meeting with Sasaki since speaking with him in person in December. When recently asked about the possibility, general manager Brandon Gomes said the team was hopeful to be awarded another opportunity.
It’s plausible the Southern California wildfires could have impacted any plans for Sasaki to visit Dodger Stadium, where construction is being completed this offseason as part of the newest renovation project.
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