World Baseball Classic Semifinals: Mexico v Japan – Source: Getty

The sweepstakes for NPB ace Roki Sasaki’s signature have been narrowed down to three teams — the Toronto Blue Jays, the San Diego Padres, and world champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The news came after several insiders revealed that the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets have been told that the fireballer won’t sign with them.

On Monday’s episode of The Baseball Insiders podcast, MLB insiders Robert Murray and Adam Weinrib analyzed the chances of Roki Sasaki heading to the Jays amid interest from NL West heavy-hitters such as the Dodgers and Padres.

“I still think at the end of the day that it’s going to come down between the Padres and the Dodgers,” Murray said. (4:10 onwards)

Just last season, the Blue Jays fans’ excitement reached a fever pitch when it was reported that multi-time MVP Shohei Ohtani took a plane to Toronto and discussed a possible deal during his free agency. However, it turned out to be a hoax as Ohtani turned down the meeting and chose to sign with the Dodgers.

Murray stated that although the Blue Jays seem heavily invested in the young pitcher, as evidenced by their inclusion in the final three teams, it will be hard to see a world where Roki Sasaki signs for them.

“The fact that he had a personal visit to Toronto would indicate that they’re seriously being considered on this one. However, I don’t think that’s going to lead up to a deal, but it shows the interest on both sides.”

“At the end of the day, it’s going to be hard for the Blue Jays to convince Sasaki away from the Dodgers or Padres.”

Roki Sasaki’s noteworthy young career

Although drafted during the 2019 NPB draft, the Chiba Lotte Marines elected not to use Roki Sasaki until the 2021 NPB season. In four years of pitching, the Marines ace has already been selected to two NPB All-Star games and has posted an absurd 29-15 record with a miniscule 2.10 ERA.

Roki Sasaki was first introduced to Western audiences when he almost threw two perfect games in a row. On April 10, 2022, Sasaki pitched a perfect game. He then followed this up by pitching eight spotless innings in the following game before being voluntarily pulled by Chiba Lotte Marines skipper Tadahito Iguchi.

Since then, the young fireballer has garnered buzz and interest from baseball fans stateside, especially when he featured for the Japanese national team during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.