The San Diego Padres have shown interest in Japanese pitching talent Roki Sasaki and could leverage the guidance of Yu Darvish to woo him over to their team. Darvish is not just a leader for Japanese players but is also skilled at recruiting them to join teams. His influence was crucial in Seiya Suzuki’s decision to move to the Chicago Cubs in 2022. Now when Sasaki is ready to transition to Major League Baseball, Darvish has the opportunity to help bring this 22-year-old player to San Diego.

Darvish’s connection to Japanese baseball runs deep. As a former NPB superstar, he has built a legacy that younger players, including Sasaki, look up to. In 2022, Darvish reportedly provided personal advice to Suzuki during his free agency, offering insights into MLB life and the challenges of adapting to a new league. Those conversations helped Suzuki feel confident in his move and played a key role in shaping his decision.

Can Darvish’s influence bring Roki Sasaki to the Padres?

According to The Athletic’s journalist Dennis Lin, “Pitching phenom Roki Sasaki will be posted in the near future, and Darvish, a godfather-like figure among active Japanese players, is said to badly want the young right-hander as his teammate.”

Meanwhile, Sasaki has caused a lot of excitement in Japan as one of the talents in years. His reputation for throwing a 102 mph fastball with accuracy and precision was solidified when he made history in April 2022 by throwing a game and striking out 19 batters. In his game, he almost achieved the feat by pitching eight more perfect innings. During his time with the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki has been dominant in the NPB league with an ERA below 2 and a strikeout rate that matches up with the pitchers in MLB.

The Padres, a team known for their aggressive pursuit of international talent under general manager A.J. Preller. Adding Roki Sasaki to their rotation could cement their status as lasting contenders. Beyond the baseball field, San Diego’s warm climate, diverse fanbase, and supportive team culture make it an appealing destination for international players.

Darvish’s presence in the Padres’ clubhouse gives them a strategic edge. He can provide Sasaki with firsthand knowledge of transitioning to MLB, highlight the Padres’ commitment to winning, and offer the kind of mentorship only a fellow countryman and superstar can provide.

The bidding war converted into a battle between MLB Giants

The race for Roki Sasaki is shaping up as a heated contest between the National League West powerhouses. One of them is the Los Angeles Dodgers. They have long been considered the favorites, buoyed by their recent World Series triumph and deep international bonus pool. With Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto already on their roster, Los Angeles offers Sasaki the chance to join an elite Japanese contingent while competing for championships. However, questions about innings availability due to the Dodgers’ crowded rotation could influence his decision.

Other contenders include the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, who both bring unique advantages to the table. The Yankees offer Roki Sasaki the prestige of joining one of baseball’s most storied franchises, along with access to a significant Japanese-American fanbase. Their reputation for attracting global stars and competing annually for championships makes them a compelling option. Meanwhile, the Cubs could present a more balanced environment, offering Sasaki a chance to anchor their rotation without the immense pressure of larger markets. These factors, coupled with MLB’s strict international signing restrictions, ensure that team culture, competitive outlook, and mentorship will be pivotal in determining Sasaki’s future.

With financial factors capped by international signing rules, Sasaki’s choice will hinge on team culture, readiness to win, and mentorship—qualities that could shape his path as one of MLB’s brightest stars. Which team do you think Roki Sasaki will choose? Let us know in the comments below.