Roki Sasaki has the Major League Baseball world stuck with one question in mind: Where will this generational talent end up? It’s even trickier, given the common factor of—who pays the most—doesn’t really matter here. Sasaki is just 23 years old; he is hence subjected to the international bonus limit. With the playing field even, teams have just the first opportunity they could to clench him. However, while 20 teams were initially apparent in the sweepstakes, now just seven remain, maybe even fewer.

Several teams are not on Sasaki’s go-to list, including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, or even the San Francisco Giants. Right now, the names who remain are the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, and, surprisingly, even the dark horse here, the Toronto Blue Jays. However, while everyone’s certain LA is his probable pick, MLB insider Steve Phillips feels differently. For him, it’s the Padres who are going to win, mostly due to some off-court connections.

Reasons why Roki Sasaki might be headed to San Diego

Steve Phillips, on MLB Network Radio, highlighted that it sure feels like the Padres and the Blue Jays are a long shot. He mentioned the Padres for several reasons, both off-the-field factors rather. The first is Yu Darvish; Darvish and Sasaki go way back; Sasaki, in his own words, mentioned Darvish as his ‘godfather’. Hence, Phillips said, “It seems hard to believe that he would choose the Dodgers over being with Darvish.” But apart from the personal front, there is also another monetary angle to it.

Phillips explained that when it comes to getting sponsorships and off-the-field money, the Padres make more sense for Roki Sasaki. “Going with Ohtani and Yamamoto, you are the third of the three. How much will you get there versus going there with Darvish in San Diego?” he questioned, and it is understandable—when it comes to the Japanese market, the two other players are already getting plenty of sponsorships.

Furthermore, Steve Phillips added, “It feels like if you have to separate the Dodgers and Padres, there are reasons to point to the Padres. With Darvish already there, Sasaki wouldn’t have to compete with the Ohtani brand in LA.” If this prediction comes true, it might be more than a surprise. But then, isn’t this season all about surprises? Plus, there is some more proof that might show Phillips is right!

Roki Sasaki in Padres gear sparks further buzz around Padres’ hold

The LA Dodgers, being the championship winners, housing international talent, and having the scope of developing them to their best, have been deemed favorites for Roki Sasaki’s ultimate destination. However, recently, a video has rocked the MLB fans, featuring a player who many say is Sasaki, as he has the same build and frame. In this viral clip, the man in question was caught pitching at Petco Park, rocking Padres gear. But is this valid proof?

Well, the Athletics’ Dennis Lin, Will Sammon, and Ken Rosenthal all reported that Sasaki is set to speak with the Padres again, marking his second meet-up with the team. While all this does point to the fact that maybe this win is for the Padres to take, things are still not certain. The Padres, right now as an organization, are facing an ownership battle; they already have a history of ownership changes and the drama that comes with it.

Now, maybe for some players, this won’t matter. But for Sasaki, it might; remember, he wants a team that is not big but with less media attention. So, given the Padres are getting plenty of media attention, and not for the right reasons, concerns might be rising over a deal. In fact, even Sasaki’s name has been dropped in a lawsuit by the Padres’ previous owner’s wife too; if really low-key is the option, the Jays remain his current best option.

So, where do you think the Japanese phenom will end up? Let us know in the comments.