Roki Sasaki (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Almost every MLB team has kept an eye out for Roki Sasaki. The Japanese star is already creating waves before joining the big leagues. Sasaki has met with the Yankees, Mets, and Cubs and will listen to offers from other teams as well.
While teams are doing their best to sign the international agent, it’s clear that Sasaki is a favorite to side with the Padres and the Dodgers. The Dodgers signed Blake Snell, and Shohei Ohtani will start pitching in 2025. The team has enough deferred money and a strong starting rotation.
They do have a chance to pursue Sasaki with their international signing bonus. Yet, the Padres are predicted to outrun the Dodgers in the Sasaki sweepstakes. The Padres have a soft spot that could bring Sasaki to San Diego. With the help of Yu Darvish, the young pitcher might pick the Padres if they give him the right offer.
Darvish is Roki Sasaki’s idol. There’s nothing better than starting his MLB career alongside his role model. Sasaki can get guidance from Darvish and be more comfortable around him than Ohtani or Yamamoto.
Padres Could Trade Dylan Cease After Signing Roki Sasaki
The Padres need to give Sasaki more assurance for his future. They need to make him a part of their final roster. Furthermore, they are predicted to trade Dylan Cease after signing Roki Sasaki. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, they are likely to trade Cease.
“The Padres might be more apt to trade Dylan Cease if they land Roki Sasaki,” Heyman said via Clutchpoints.
If the Padres work things out, they could offer Cease to the Dodgers. While these are just rumors, it’s still possible for them to sign Roki Sasaki and trade Cease. The Dodgers have enough pitchers for now and might not look for further arms.
Cease will also become a free agent after the 2025 season. That said, they could make the most of this opportunity. The Padres also have payroll limits, and trading Cease will help them financially. The Dodgers also have deferred money, and that could be an advantage for the Padres.
