Roki Sasaki’s name is flashing all over the baseball world. Winter meetings have ended, but not for this international amateur free agent. On December 28, the Los Angeles Dodgers met with him and his agent, Joel Wolfe, officially making them the 6th team to have pitched the Japanese star. So, what about the other favorite, San Diego Padres?

Well, the Padres can be the 7th team because Sasaki has until January 23 for his final call. Even though San Diego has still not met with the Japanese ace, they invited him to watch a series against the Dodgers late in the season. While this shows the team’s interest, plenty of factors might bring Roki Sasaki’s attention to the Padres.

“Better Late than Never” – Sasaki meets the Dodgers

Reportedly, it all started on December 19 with the New York Mets meeting the Japanese righty. It was followed by the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants (December 23). The Dodgers became the 6th team to meet with still 26 days left till his signing deadline. While the team can only pay him from their international bonus pool (approx. $5 million), they have an overview of the previous clubs’ offers to bring an advantageous deal. 

The Dodgers President of Baseball Operations has stated, “He is someone that, obviously, is a major priority for us. We are 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.” And why not? He is the youngest pitcher to throw a perfect Nippon Professional Baseball game in 2022, creating NPB’s fastest pitch at 102.5 mph, tying with Shohei Ohtani. The Dodgers want to bring more rings under their names by creating a super team and Sasaki can be a great value addition. 

What makes the Padres a favorite?

Another West Coast team. The weather and its proximity to Japan cannot be ignored. But the biggest advantage that the Padres have is their connection with the veteran pitcher Yu Darvish, whom he has grown up idolizing. During the winter meeting, Wolfe pointed out that the mid-market or small-market clubs are Roki’s preference. Advantage – San Diego Padres.

Roki Sasaki is just 23-year-old. With the Padres setting ballpark every night and having a competitive ball club, “it’s a chance for him to come in and create a legacy for himself — to help win the first World Series,” said the team’s manager Mike Shildt. In the past 5 years, the club has reached the postseason thrice, which makes it hopeful for Sasaki. Measuring both Dodgers’ and Padres’ positions with Sasaki, anything can happen!

Shohei Ohtani is there with the Dodgers. Sasaki can either choose to play with him or might consider what if he gets overshadowed, and go with the Padres? The team is progressing their pitching skills under the coaching of Ruben Niebla, meaning Roki Sasaki will have the chance to better himself, especially considering how his shoulder and oblique injuries forced him to miss two seasons. 

Any MLB team can sign him at a cost-effective rate and that’s why the negotiations will continue till January 23. Who do you think Sasaki should sign? Dodgers, Padres, or someone else? Let’s discuss in the comments.