MLB Strength Rankings

Although Juan Soto has been the center of attention in baseball recently, he isn’t the only prominent free agent poised to make waves at next week’s Winter Meetings. As reported by Jeff Passan from ESPN, Roki Sasaki is expected to be posted within the next few days, officially commencing the 45-day period during which all 30 MLB teams can negotiate with the Japanese sensation.

Sasaki’s move to the States has been anticipated for weeks, but the specifics regarding when it would take place were uncertain. His posting at this time means that the 23-year-old right-handed pitcher can now engage with MLB front offices in Dallas, making him available to sign with any team of his choice as soon as the international amateur signing period kicks off on January 15.

Respectfully sidelining Soto for a moment, one could argue that Sasaki has the potential to be the most significant acquisition this offseason. At just 23 years old, with a fastball that reaches triple digits and an impressive splitter, he has already positioned himself among the world’s elite pitchers. Unlike Soto, he offers a remarkably economical option: thanks to MLB’s international amateur regulations, Sasaki’s salary will be approximately $7-8 million per year. If he fulfills the scouts’ high expectations, he may emerge as the most valuable player in the league.

Now that we know when Sasaki’s recruitment process will begin, which teams might be interested? Here’s a look at the landscape leading up to the Winter Meetings.

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It’s widely accepted that the next time the San Francisco Giants successfully acquire a top free agent will mark a first, and the appointment of Buster Posey as the team’s new executive doesn’t exactly build optimism. Yet, we know San Francisco is exploring the leading starters available in the market, albeit with a tight budget this winter. Instead of shelling out a hefty sum on a player like Corbin Burnes, why not take every possible step to persuade Sasaki to join?

While a franchise that has reached the playoffs only once in the last eight seasons may not appear to be an appealing destination for an emerging star, their case might be stronger than anticipated. The Giants have a history of successfully recruiting East Asian players, and the Bay Area is home to one of the largest Japanese communities in the U.S. If Sasaki seeks a smooth transition and prefers to remain conveniently close to home, the Giants might be a suitable option. Moreover, if he favors a welcoming stadium to pitch in, few places are friendlier than Oracle Park.

Although Wrigley Field may not be overly pitcher-friendly, the Chicago Cubs fulfill nearly every requirement that a Sasaki interested team would need. True, last season’s record of 83 victories is modest. However, the core talent on the roster holds promise, and there are a wealth of reinforcements on the way from the Minor Leagues. This is a squad positioned for success with the proper acquisitions, and their previous experience with Shota Imanaga illustrates their capacity to help a Japanese pitcher succeed upon arrival.

Additionally, Jed Hoyer should be highly motivated. His desire for a game-changing addition to the Cubs rotation is apparent; just look at this week’s near agreement that would have brought Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. However, the challenging financial landscape renders names like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried unfeasible. Sasaki embodies the optimal compromise, combining the potential of a Burnes or Fried with the youth and cost-effectiveness of a player like Crochet. Nevertheless, the challenge will be convincing Sasaki to consider the Midwest, as their recent lack of success could be a hindrance.

While New York Mets fans are preoccupied analyzing hints to figure out when and where Juan Soto may sign, the team needs to bolster its rotation as it gears up for the 2025 season. David Stearns has already inked Frankie Montas and converteduncertainties remain with their starting lineup for a team aiming for a World Series appearance.

Regardless of Soto’s situation, Sasaki is likely on the Mets’ radar. Stearns is known for his budget consciousness, and few pitchers present a value proposition like Sasaki’s favorable contract. Furthermore, Steve Cohen and his team were heavily involved in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto chase last winter, and are likely eager to rectify any disappointments this time. New York offers a lot for Sasaki to appreciate, from an impressive pitching development squad to immediate competitive prospects. The key question, however, is whether the righty is interested in playing in the Northeast.

From the moment Sasaki’s posting became public, the competition for his talent has narrowed to two main contenders: the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. The Dodgers have fellow Japanese superstars in Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani, and recently celebrated a World Series victory. Rumors circulated about Sasaki possibly being headed to the Dodgers so fervently that his agent had to intervene to deny any claims of a pre-agreed handshake deal.

So why don’t they hold the top position in these evaluations? Perhaps it’s mere conjecture, but the narrative appears to be shifting slightly over the last few weeks. The Dodgers remain a significant presence, yet the latest reports seem to have cast some doubt on their prospects, with one recent update suggesting that the Padres were now perceived as a slight favorite. This free agency is as unpredictable as it gets, considering Sasaki’s unknown variables, but gut feelings can sway opinions.

The Padres came close to defeating their divisional adversaries in a thrilling five-game NLDS in October, and their roster positions them for immediate contention with Sasaki onboard. Plus, they enjoy the same advantages found in Southern California, and they also have Sasaki’s close friend and mentor, Yu Darvish, within their rotation. This could significantly influence Sasaki’s decision, and while it is still unclear what factors he considers vital in his search for a new team, the presence of Ohtani and Yamamoto in L.A. might restrict his endorsement opportunities somewhat.

San Diego checks virtually every box met by the Dodgers, and they have their own success story in developing pitchers recently. Additionally, they bring a hint of novelty as the underdog against L.A., which could play a crucial role in the outcome.