The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes had the baseball world on edge, with teams scrambling and rumors flying. But when the dust settled, it was the Dodgers who had the last laugh. Sasaki entering the Dodgers riled up a good number of fans and they got all armed up about how Sasaki was pre-determined to join the Dodgers. The latest addition to this controversy is the Padres’ third baseman, Manny Machado. He got candid about if the Padres’ ownership situation got a call in Sasaki’s choice. 

While it was expected that the internal turmoil in the Padres ownership may be the reason for Sasaki not joining them, Machado felt different. Well, Machado had played for the Dodgers and he has been playing for the Padres since 2019, hence getting ample experience about what goes behind both teams. An opinion coming from someone like Machado thus holds value for the fans. If not for the ownership issue, what could be the reason for Sasaki to not join the Padres? 

Sasaki is a lost case for the Padres

Although Roki Sasaki is a lost case now for the Padres, it’s worth discussing what went behind for Sasaki to not join them. The reasons if valid can influence the future signings of the team. Sasaki before getting into MLB gathered enough limelight for his performance in NPB and was the top international prospect in 2024 and the Padres, Dodgers, and Blue Jays have been contending for him since then. However, Sasaki chose to get with the Dodgers and revealed that he expected his maximum growth and development with the Dodgers. No words about the Padres’ ownership came from Sasaki though.

“I think he had his mind set already on where he was going”, said Machado reiterating the same that the ownership issue had no role in Sasaki’s decision. It is also doubtful if Sasaki was pre-determined to join the Dodgers as he reportedly asked all the suitors about how they could enhance his pitching velocity and only after that did he decide where to join. It is more likely that Roki Sasaki joined the Dodgers for their deeper pitching rotation that may help him develop better pitching skills. The presence of his countrymates Ohtani and Yamamoto might also influenced him to choose the Dodgers. 

Turnaround for the Padres

Ownership turmoil in the Padres might not have any role in losing Sasaki but it has surely started to affect their team lineup for 2025. It is reported that the Padres got a payroll capping for 2025 and hence they are unable to go for big names this time. Moreover, the Padres are willing to trade a few established names like Dylan Cease to free up some amount. It is thus not about losing Sasaki, rather it is about how their 2025 campaign is getting affected. They have a good number of gaps that are yet to be filled even in this last hour of the offseason. A bigger turnaround is all that is needed now for the Padres. 

The Padres have two options to look for from here. Firstly they should opt for low-cost alternatives and rookies that will be easy on their pocket and help to build for the future. For the unversed, the Padres failed to retain their middle-of-the-lineup star Jurickson Profar leaving the team without a reliable option in the middle. Matt Waldron or Randy Vásquez can be the potential option for reliever and at the start. A few low-cost options like these are still available and the Padres have the chance to equip their team for 2025. 

The Padres’ ownership issue might not have a role in Roki Sasaki’s decision but affecting the team’s chance for 2025 contention. Fans can only hope for this issue to end soon and if a minimum contending team can be fielded. 

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