Yu Darvish ENDORSES Padres as ‘perfect fit’ for Roki Sasaki as signing rumors take over social media in WILD fashion
Roki Sasaki sweepstakes reach high point with January 15 as deadline as MLB teams fight for the ace pitcher’s service.
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Roki Sasaki and Yu Darvish [Image Credit: Chilleout/LA Times]
The name Roki Sasaki has been getting the most highlights after superstar outfielder Juan Soto signed up for free agency. The Japanese ace pitcher is currently back home to think about his team options before traveling for his second visit.
Currently, the most popular team names that have been attached to the pitcher are – the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. They’ve been the favorites to win the sweepstakes given their connection to star players in their respective lineup.
Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have been teammates with Roki Sasaki during the WBC. Just like them, the Padres have one of Sasaki’s favorite players Yu Darvish on the roster.
Veteran Yu Darvish even vouched for the Padres, saying they’ll be the “perfect fit” for Sasaki’s MLB debut. While having these superstars in the lineup may provide some sort of leverage, Sasaki, clearly stated no players were allowed in the meetings.
SOURCE: Yu Darvish reportedly told Roki Sasaki the #Cubs are a "perfect fit" for him.
— Holly Baylor (@HollyBaylorMLB) December 31, 2024
According to his agent Joel Wolfe, Sasaki restricted any face-to-face meetings with teams involving players on the pitch. Even while returning to Japan, he has apparently given “assignments” to the teams he had sit-downs with.
NY Yankees “satisfied” with two-hour meeting with Roki Sasaki
While the New York Yankees are far from being the favorites in the race, they are still in the shadows of being one of the top teams pursuing Roki Sasaki. As per MLB insider Jim Bowden, Masahiro Tanaka was his favorite player growing up, giving an edge to the Yankees.
While Sasaki has strictly forbidden any player interaction during team meetings, the name of these players and their connection to the team still holds importance. The Yankees were also reportedly “satisfied” with their two-hour meeting with Sasaki in California.
Earlier, Joel Wolfe mentioned how he feels Sasaki should sign with a smaller team after his harsh experience with the media in Japan. However, the decision ultimately depends on the 23-year-old who is excited to join the majors by January 15.
Yankee people were "satisfied" with the way their two-hour meeting with Roki Sasaki went in California.
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) January 2, 2025
Jack Curry also added that baseball people believe that the West Coast is Sasaki's preferred destination and that the Dodgers and Padres are perceived favorites. pic.twitter.com/INBQyoNyut
Since he’s joining the league prior to 25, he’ll be restricted to signing large contracts. Furthermore, he has to pen a deal within his 45-day window or he’ll sent back to his home country for the 2025 season. The teams that have had meeting with Sasaki, so far, are – the Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, Chicago Cubs, NY Mets, and Texas Rangers.
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Kaushani Chatterjee
(2140 Articles Published)