Both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres are in the running to acquire Roki Sasaki’s pitching skills from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League. The Dodgers are renowned for their scouting efforts and success in signing international players, while the Padres have been actively strengthening their team. Both teams appear eager to bring another top-notch pitcher aboard even though formal meetings have not occurred yet.

At 22 years old, Sasaki has garnered admiration with his impressive pitching skills that feature a blazing fastball clocked at speeds exceeding 102 mph. His standout performance, in a game, in 2022, where he struck out 19 batters, solidified his reputation as one of the pitching sensations worldwide. His combination of speed, precision, and command has led scouts to believe he could seamlessly transition to Major League Baseball.

The battle for the NL West extends to the international market

B/Rwalk-off recently posted a video of Jon Heyman on X, in which he talks about the favorites of Roki Sasaki in NL West. “It’s not about money; it’s about him wanting to come here and picking a place that he’s comfortable with. I know certainly the Mets can sell their pitching development, Yankees the tradition, Cubs are basically a national team that’s had success with Japanese players. Texas also recently a world champion with success with Japanese players, but I do believe that the favorites, and I believe the teams here, are the Dodgers and the Padres.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have always excelled in nurturing and recruiting talent from around the world, and their interest in Sasaki is well-known in the baseball community. They’ve already made waves in the Japanese market, with past acquisitions like Kenta Maeda and Hiroki Kuroda and the more recent signing of Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Additionally, Roki Sasaki would blend perfectly with a pitching rotation already featuring pitchers such as Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urías.

On the other hand, the San Diego Padres are making noise of their own. After years of aggression to build a championship-caliber roster, the Padres are eager to add another ace to their rotation. The team’s willingness to invest heavily in talent, evident in their acquisitions of players like Joe Musgrove and Manny Machado, suggests they won’t shy away from pursuing Sasaki if the opportunity arises.

Why does Roki Sasaki fit the West Coast better?

Deciding to join a team on the West Coast might be influenced by factors like cultural and geographical comfort. The West Coast has American communities in cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego that provide a welcoming environment, making Sasaki’s move to a new country smoother. For an athlete venturing away from home for a time, having this cultural resonance could play a key role in the decision-making process. The West Coast’s proximity to Japan also means less travel time to visit family and stay connected with his home country.

Off the field, the West Coast offers numerous opportunities for Roki Sasaki to grow as a global icon. The West Coast’s mild climate, relaxed vibe, and player-friendly atmospheres in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego stand in stark contrast to the East. Many West Coast teams, including the Dodgers, have strong histories of international integration, with established systems to help players adapt both on and off the field. Combined with the allure of California’s media spotlight and marketing opportunities, these factors make the West Coast an appealing destination for Sasaki.

While neither team has held official meetings with Sasaki yet, their sustained interest and proactive scouting efforts are clear signs that the race is already heating up. Both teams recognize the rare opportunity Roki Sasaki represents and are primed to make strong offers. It’s clear that this NL West rivalry will extend to the international market.

What team do you think Roki Sasaki will choose? Let us know below.