Excitement is building in Major League Baseball

as Roki Sasaki, the highly sought-after Japanese right-hander, narrows his choices down to three finalists: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays. This decision marks a pivotal moment for Sasaki as he prepares to potentially make a monumental leap into the MLB.

With the new international signing window opening on Wednesday, Sasaki will be eligible to sign – but don’t expect a quick decision. Sources indicate he is likely to wait until the conclusion of his 45-day posting process, ending on January 23. Can you feel the tension building?

Los Angeles Dodgers as Frontrunners

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been considered the frontrunner for Sasaki's talents. Their comprehensive approach included multiple meetings with Sasaki and his representatives, a tactic that has proven successful in attracting international players in the past. The Dodgers have cultivated a rich history with Japanese stars, having signed notable players such as Hideo Nomo, Hiroki Kuroda, and Kenta Maeda, further enhancing their appeal to Sasaki.

A Surprising Late Entry: Toronto Blue Jays

However, the Blue Jays have made a surprising late entry into the competition, trying to sway Sasaki after missing out on marquee free agents like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. Last week, Sasaki’s representatives met with Blue Jays officials, indicating a serious interest.

San Diego Padres' Position

The Padres, traditionally seen as strong competitors for Sasaki due to their need for affordable pitching and their connection with star pitcher Yu Darvish, have also been actively pursuing him.

Opportunities Offered