The San Diego Padres are reportedly cautiously optimistic about signing free-agent pitcher Roki Sasaki, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Earlier on Monday, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Sasaki had narrowed his choices to three teams: the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Padres. Nightengale previously described the Dodgers and Padres as the “heavy favorites” to land the 23-year-old Japanese star.
Multiple sources confirmed that Sasaki’s representatives informed several interested teams on Monday that they were no longer in contention. Among those ruled out were the New York Yankees, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Texas Rangers.
TSN Blue Jays reporter Scott Mitchell revealed that Sasaki recently visited Toronto to meet with the Blue Jays. “No one is calling them favorites at this point, but they’re still in the race,” Mitchell wrote in a post on X. “Spending multiple days in the city so close to his decision isn’t something he’d do just for fun.” In December, Mitchell reported that the Blue Jays were likely to be “all-in” on Sasaki.
Sasaki’s signing window opens Wednesday, with his posting period ending on January 23. Reports suggest he will make his decision within that timeframe. Due to his age (23), Sasaki can only sign a minor-league contract with a signing bonus capped at just under $8 million.
Ranked No. 2 on TSN’s list of the Top 75 MLB Free Agents, Sasaki is coming off an impressive season with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chiba Lotte Marines, where he posted a 10-5 record, a 2.35 ERA, and 129 strikeouts over 111 innings.
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