Recent weeks have witnessed a flurry of activity surrounding the free agency of Roki Sasaki, with the Mets, Yankees, Cubs, Giants, and Rangers all having met with the promising Japanese right-hander. Now, as reported by Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, the Los Angeles Dodgers have joined this exclusive group.
Dodgers Have Already Met With Roki Sasaki
The Dodgers’ meeting with Roki Sasaki is unsurprising given their reputation for pursuing top-tier talent and their strong interest in acquiring the promising Japanese right-hander. While LA and San Diego have been considered frontrunners for Sasaki, his agent, Joel Wolfe, recently issued a statement denying the existence of a “handshake” agreement with any team.
Given the limited timeframe for these initial meetings, it’s likely that the discussions between Sasaki and the interested clubs have been of a preliminary nature. These meetings likely served as an opportunity for Sasaki to gain a better understanding of each organization and for teams to assess his personality and character off the field.
While the Dodgers and San Diego have been considered frontrunners, it’s crucial to remember that Sasaki’s unique free agency status significantly alters the traditional dynamics of the free agent market. As an international amateur, Sasaki will sign a minor league contract subject to the signing club’s international bonus pool limitations. This eliminates the financial considerations that typically drive free agency decisions, leveling the playing field for all teams…