NY Yankees scheduled meeting with Roki Sasaki in SHOCKING move
The Yankees have officially become the first team to land a meeting with Roki Sasaki and his agent Joel Wolfe.
Brian Cashman and Roki Sasaki [Image Credit: ESPN/CBS Sports]
Just like New York Yankees executive Brian Cashman said the team is far from done in free agency. They are not satisfied after landing ace pitchers Max Fried and Devin Williams but have now tried dipping their hands in the international market.
After the WBC, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki has been in the spotlight. Just a few days ago he was posted in the international market by the Chiba Lotte Marines and the MLB teams are now competing to get his services.
Several of them had already sent video presentations to Sasaki and his agent Joel Wolfe. However, the New York Yankees became the first to land an in-person meeting with Roki Sasaki “soon” in California.
However, Brian Cashman has refused to comment on the date and timing of their meeting. This drew a totally different picture when two-way star Shohei Ohtani hit the markets.
Ohtani was clearly not interested in any East Coast teams, and the pinstripes never got the chance to woo him. However, Sasaki is open to offers from all teams and will decide on his destination only after.
The Yankees have a scheduled meeting in person with Roki Sasaki
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 18, 2024
(via @BryanHoch) pic.twitter.com/q9PNQBchjz
Although his agent Wolfe commented on how he believes a smaller market team would be better for his debut in majors, the decision ultimately lies with Sasaki. After having a really bad experience with the media in Japan, Wolfe expressed how he thought it was harsh of them.
Will the NY Yankees win Sasaki over LA Dodgers?
Since the start of Roki Sasaki’s posting news, many argued how the Los Angeles Dodgers are the frontrunners in the race. That may be so as they have solid connection to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the past year.
Everyone knows what the Dodgers are capable of with their star-studded lineup; especially after winning the World Series. There were rumors that they’ll undoubtedly sign Sasaki once he hits the market.
Other teams in the competition were the NY Yankees, the San Diego Padres, the Boston Red Sox, and many others. However, the Yankees have gotten the chance to meet with him first. While this may come as a shock to many, the Yankees fans will be happy to be the first team.
Brian Cashman said Roki Sasaki “has a chance to be one of the world’s great pitchers. It would be nice to have Yankee Stadium be his home.”
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) December 18, 2024
So far after losing Juan Soto in free agency, the Yankees have added Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger to the lineup. They are still looking for a first baseman but having international pool money may help them in landing Sasaki too.
Kaushani Chatterjee
(2140 Articles Published)