MLB insider claims NY Yankees have ‘realistic shot’ at Roki Sasaki amidst rising tension in free agency
A mystery team emerges in Roki Sasaki’s free agency race as Yankees reportedly come closer to securing ace pitcher from market.
Follow Us
Roki Sasaki (Image via CBS Sports)
Japanese ace pitcher Roki Sasaki has become one of the most sought-after players in the international market and in free agency overall. The biggest name in the 2024 offseason was Juan Soto, but the New York Mets have already claimed the outfielder for the next 15 years with a $765 million deal.
Apart from Juan Soto, many top players have already found their new home with a couple few remaining in the market. Despite players like Pete Alonso, Alex Verdugo, Anthony Santander, and others remaining in free agency, the spotlight has been on Sasaki.
The MLB teams interested in Roki Sasaki’s service are – the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers. According to the latest reports, a mystery team has also joined the race, although their name is yet to be revealed.
During a discussion on Baseball Night on Tuesday, MLB insider Bryan Hoch talked about how the Yankees seem to have a “realistic” shot at landing the ace pitcher. However, NY being in the bigger market zone may dim out their options in the race.
They’ve had a history of Japanese players who have come to the Yankees and enjoyed their time. There have been really recognizable stars. New York (is a good place) if you want to be in a major market that might be the place for you.
Bryan Hoch as per SNY on X.
On Baseball Night in New York, @BryanHoch says that the Yankees think they have a legit shot at landing Roki Sasaki, and @BerbariOnAir gives his thoughts on the potential addition and the impact on financial flexibility for trades https://t.co/XJ7nQVXox2 pic.twitter.com/vq2cmdQH81
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) January 8, 2025
Insider Bryan Hoch said the only thing that can be a barrier in a possible Yankees-Sasaki matchup may be the media and spotlight. Earlier Roki Sasaki’s agent Joel Wolfe said a smaller market would be an ideal fit for the pitcher.
After going through some bad media experiences in Japan, Wolfe believes a smaller market with low media attention is good for Sasaki’s debut in MLB. However, the decision solely lies with Sasaki and there’s no way of knowing which team he is considering as of now.
Roki Sasaki to sign by January or return to home country for 2025
As Roki Sasaki is coming to the major league before 25, he’ll be restricted as per MLB rules like Shohei Ohtani once did. If he completed until 25 in Japan, he would have been able to sign a massive deal like Yoshinobu Yamamoto did with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, Sasaki is not to delay his major league debut and is expected to sign a deal by January 23. If he does not pen a contract till then, he’ll return to his former club for the 2025 season.
I’m hearing Rōki Sasaki has spoken with *at least* one team beyond the previously reported list of the Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Mets, Yankees, Cubs, and Rangers. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 7, 2025
MLB insider Jon Morosi said that Sasaki has apparently talked with “at least” one team beyond the ones mentioned in the race. He is currently in Japan and is expected to return and make his decision known. He’ll likely meet with a couple of teams one-on-one before finalizing his new home destination.
Stay Updated!
Kaushani Chatterjee
(2140 Articles Published)