Yankees Out of the Race, Top Target Reportedly Drops the Bombshell!
Roki Sasaki has reportedly informed the Yankees that he will not be signing with them, joining the Giants in being told they are out of the race. The Mets are also not expected to sign him, though it’s unclear if they have received an official denial. Sasaki, who recently met with the Padres and Blue Jays, is still highly sought after by MLB teams.
As an under-25 player, Sasaki is classified as an amateur under MLB’s international signing rules, which limits the money teams can offer him to $5-8 million, benefiting smaller-market clubs with higher bonus pools. His posting fee to his NPB team, Chiba Lotte Marines, will be a modest percentage of his signing bonus.
Had Sasaki waited until turning 25, he could have signed for any amount, like fellow Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto. However, Sasaki’s early move suggests he prioritizes factors like geography and a team’s pitching development over maximizing his earnings.
With the January 15 signing deadline approaching, Sasaki has until January 23 to make a decision. Both the Yankees and Mets, who met with him in December, are no longer in the running due to their pitching depth. The Padres and Dodgers are considered the top contenders, with Sasaki’s connection to Yu Darvish making San Diego particularly appealing. Despite financial constraints, adding a player like Sasaki would strengthen the Padres’ rotation at a low cost.
Teams such as the Dodgers, Rangers, Cubs, and Mariners are also believed to be in the mix, though Sasaki’s final decision remains uncertain. Updates on his decision are expected soon.
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