When Roki Sasaki announced he was coming to Major League Baseball via his NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, it sent a shockwave through the league. And honestly, who could blame all 30 MLB teams for showing interest? This is a once-in-a-generation talent we’re talking about. But here’s the thing: despite the excitement, no team can just throw money at him like Steve Cohen did at Juan Soto. Why? Because Sasaki is an international amateur free agent.

Any team hoping to land him will have to navigate through their international signing pool, with all its financial limitations. So, while there won’t be any wild bidding wars where the highest spender wins, teams will need to play a more strategic game. In this game, the clubs that already have a roster with Japanese players can have an advantage. One of those teams is the Cubs. The Chicago Cubs certainly have a plus when it comes to attracting Roki Sasaki. With Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga already on the roster, they’re well-positioned to make the transition from Japan smoother for the 23-year-old.

After all, it’s not just about the players; it’s about the system, and the Cubs have a track record of successfully integrating Japanese talent. Even Jed Hoyer is confident about it. “I know we’re very appealing to Japanese players,” Hoyer said, adding, “Obviously, Shota and Seiya have had really good experiences. I think we’re an appealing destination for any Japanese player.” But even with that confidence, the Cubs might not have enough to land Sasaki. The Cubs haven’t sniffed the playoffs in two years, and that could be a hard sell to a young pitcher who’s looking for a contender.

On the North Side Territory podcast, the hosts delved into answering questions from fans. One of those questions was, “Do the Cubs have a legitimate shot on Roki Sasaki or Corbin Burnes? To which they answered, “I don’t think they’re the leader. I’m still not ruling them out. It sounds like winning is one of the things he wants. That appeals to him. Winning. He didn’t see the Cubs win. So maybe that’s the thing against them.”

Let’s face it, the Dodgers are the ultimate team right now. They’ve got the players and the trophy. Plus, with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers could quickly become Sasaki’s most attractive option. After all, who wouldn’t want to team up with a squad full of stars? But hold on, Dodgers fans, do not get too excited because while LA is a dream destination for many, Sasaki might not be as keen.

Despite being favorites, even the Dodgers have some cons. 

We know the Dodgers are winners, and they have a powerful team. The crew is gearing up for the 2025 season and has landed Blake Snell on a five-year, $182 million deal. Although the team is tough, it could use some extra arms, don’t you think? The 23-year-old pitching sensation from Japan is the real deal. If the Dodgers can land him, their rotation could get a major upgrade.

The Dodgers are definitely at the top of the list for Roki Sasaki, but there are a few hurdles standing in their way. For one, LA’s international bonus pool for 2025 is the smallest among major contenders. Then there’s the matter of Sasaki’s past media experiences in Japan. The young ace has been open about his desire to make the jump to MLB, which has put him at odds with the Japanese media. The media has hounded him since, and it has caused a negative feeling from Sasaki towards them.

Now, too much media attention can disturb a player’s mental peace and eventually his game. Sasaki could consider the possibility of signing with a smaller team, which could offer a quieter, less intense spotlight. It’s a tempting option for a pitcher looking to get away the media frenzy and focus on baseball. Could the Dodgers, with the spotlight always on them, offer “the Monster of the Reiwa Era” the right balance of attention and peace of mind?