• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Sasaki Sweepstakes Heat Up: Blue Jays, Dodgers, Padres Lead Race

Anticipation has built all offseason on which team will land the 23-year-old phenom, and that answer is now much closer to becoming known.

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The gates are officially open in MLB’s latest international signing period, bringing the high-profile Roki Sasaki sweepstakes a big step closer to its much-anticipated conclusion.

The destination of the 23-year-old Japanese pitcher has long been among the sport’s top offseason storylines, due to his prodigious talent and relative bargain cost due to his not waiting until he turned 25 to leave Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. 

Wednesday marked the formal beginning of the 2025 period in which MLB clubs can sign international amateur free agents, the player classification that includes Sasaki, and have received a reset bonus pool to fund those signings. 

The push for Sasaki, however, is now reportedly down to three teams: the defending World Series champion Dodgers, a Padres team that’s in ownership turmoil, and the Blue Jays, in the midst of their own corporate-level shift. Other teams such as the Mets, Rangers, and Yankees are said to have been notified they are now out of the race for the pitcher, one of the game’s top young talents, featuring a blazing fastball that has topped 102 miles per hour and a wipeout slider. 

Sasaki’s posting window closes Jan. 23. The heavy focus on Sasaki, however, by MLB clubs has turned their attention away from other international amateurs in the run-up to the new signing period—creating broader chaos in this part of the player market, and the potential loss of deals for some others. 

Sasaki’s age and four years of professional experience in Japan also make him stand out from most others in this class of international free-agent prospects, made up primarily of teenagers from Latin America. Other top talents include Dominican infielder Elian Peña, who signed Wednesday with the Mets for a $5 million bonus, and countryman Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez, who signed with the Giants for $3 million.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

hard-knocks-2020

NFL Expands ‘Hard Knocks’ Pool of Teams: Who’s Eligible for 2025?

The NFL is relaxing rules surrounding its reality TV show.
Kelly Coleman, pro bat lead operator, inspects a torpedo bat after it comes out of a baseball bat lathe at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Ky. on Mar. 31, 2025.

‘Torpedo’ Bat Sales Boom As Debate Rages About Effectiveness

Several manufacturers report historic interest in the much-debated bat design.

Featured Today

Dec 27, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) skates during warm ups before their game against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center at San Jose

Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks Rookies Have Brought Good Vibes to a..

The rookie’s arrival has boosted spirits incongruously high inside the flagging franchise.
Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
April 1, 2025

The Creator Behind the LeBron ‘Glazing’ Trend Sweeping TikTok

FOS spoke to TikTok user OkaySpade who made the original song.
Mar 22, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; McNeese State Cowboys manager Amir Khan before a second round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Amica Mutual Pavilion
April 1, 2025

Inside the 24-Hour NIL March Madness Deals

Some of the most viral partnerships come together overnight.
Seattle Kraken
April 1, 2025

Samantha Holloway Is Seattle’s NHL Present—and Hopeful NBA Future

Samantha Holloway is steering the Kraken and hoping to revive pro hoops.
Trinity Rodman

FIFA Says U.S., U.K. Are Sole Bidders for ’31, ’35 Women’s World..

The United States hasn’t hosted a women’s World Cup since 2003.
April 2, 2025

Money Talks, Dodgers Win: L.A.’s Historic Start Fuels Payroll Debate

A perfect 7–0 start combines with an unprecedented luxury-tax payroll.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Caledonian Braves
April 1, 2025

The Scottish Soccer Club With 9,000 Owners—Including NBA and NWSL Players

The Braves’ popularity exploded in the last 10 months.
Sacramento A's
April 1, 2025

A’s Sacramento Debut Beset by Logistical Problems

Monday saw broadcast issues, a drone delay, and a tight press setup.
March 31, 2025

Jets Offer Most Employees Buyouts

The team offered nearly 70% of its workforce severance packages.
March 31, 2025

NFL’s QB Market Shake-Up Puts Steelers in Unfamiliar Territory

Conversations are continuing with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.