Top MLB Teams Compete for Japanese Pitching Phenom Roki Sasaki

The 23-year-old star is meeting with several franchises as the Dodgers and Padres emerge as frontrunners in the international free-agent race.

Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old Japanese pitcher known for his triple-digit fastball and devastating splitter, is the most sought-after free agent in MLB this offseason.
Sasaki has held or is scheduled to hold meetings with several teams, including the Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, and White Sox, as he narrows his options before the January 15 signing period opens.
The Dodgers and Padres are widely seen as favorites due to their established ties with Japanese players, with the Padres offering a potential spotlight role and the Dodgers boasting connections to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, has emphasized that the pitcher's decision will prioritize factors like organizational fit, comfort, and long-term career prospects over the size of the signing bonus, which is capped under MLB rules.
The Phillies and other teams not invited for in-person meetings appear to be out of contention, with Sasaki expected to make a decision shortly after the signing window opens.