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Poll: Where Will Roki Sasaki Sign?

By Nick Deeds | January 14, 2025 at 12:38pm CDT

The 2025 international amateur signing period begins tomorrow. While that milestone is a bit of a footnote for many fans in the offseason calendar, this year is different thanks to the presence of 23-year-old phenom Roki Sasaki. Sasaki was posted for major league clubs by Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chiba Lotte Marines just after the Winter Meetings last month. As an NPB player coming to the majors before the age of 25, he’s considered an amateur despite his dominance over the course of four seasons in Japan.

The fact that Sasaki is coming to the majors through the system in place for international amateurs created a wide-open race for his services on paper. International amateurs can only sign minor league deals that are accompanied by signing bonuses from each team’s hard-capped international bonus pools. As such, clubs without substantial payrolls couldn’t be outbid by their large-market counterparts. More than 20 teams reportedly checked in with Sasaki when he was posted last month. He met with a number of teams in Los Angeles (where his agents at Wasserman are headquartered) before the holidays, including the Giants, Yankees, Mets, Rangers, and Cubs. Now, with just over a week left in Sasaki’s posting window, a trio of finalists has emerged: the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays.

That the Dodgers are a finalist for Sasaki’s services should surprise no one. After all, Sasaki is a player who wanted to compete at the highest level badly enough to come over to the major leagues early and in doing so chose to forfeit the opportunity to land a nine-figure deal. Given that competitiveness, joining the reigning World Series champions who haven’t missed the postseason since 2011 figures to hold obvious appeal. Aside from that, the Dodgers are perhaps the largest international brand in the sport, employing former NPB and KBO stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and, now, Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim. That global brand (and the potential for international endorsements that comes with it) could hold plenty of appeal for Sasaki given the fact that he’ll be signing a minor league contract.

All of that has made the Dodgers such an obvious fit for Sasaki’s services to many around the game that his agent, Joel Wolfe, felt compelled earlier this winter to deny rumors of a “handshake” deal with the Dodgers before Sasaki’s posting period had even begun. Despite this air of inevitability surrounding the Dodgers and Sasaki in the eyes of some fans and media members, however, there are two other finalists that each can offer a legitimate case for Sasaki’s services in their own right.

The Padres have received nearly as much attention as a likely co-favorite. Multiple reports have suggested that Sasaki has a strong relationship with veteran right-hander Yu Darvish, who has four seasons left on his deal in San Diego and would as such be available to serve as a mentor to Sasaki and guide him through his transition to the big leagues. San Diego, much like Los Angeles, also could benefit from being on the west coast with the associated mild climate and travel-related benefits that often appeal to NPB players. The Padres can also offer more money to Sasaki than the Dodgers; their bonus pool is $6,261,600 this year as compared to L.A.’s pool of just $5,146,200, though either club could trade for more bonus pool money in order to put together a more tempting offer for Sasaki.

Compared to the Dodgers and Padres, the Blue Jays appear to be a dark horse candidate. A connection between Sasaki and the club was first made just yesterday, when reporting surfaced that Sasaki had met with the club in Toronto. The Blue Jays have long sought to court top talents in free agency, including a pursuit of Ohtani last winter where they were generally acknowledged to have finished as the runner-up for the MVP’s services. Though the Blue Jays aren’t as well set-up for success as the Dodgers and Padres, having finished fifth in a crowded AL East just last year, Toronto could offer Sasaki the opportunity to be the face of the franchise in a way that more star-studded teams in L.A. and San Diego cannot — particularly if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ultimately signs elsewhere in free agency next winter. What’s more, the Blue Jays have the same $6,261,600 bonus pool the Padres have and therefore could outbid the Dodgers financially.

With just over a week left until the January 23 deadline by which Sasaki has to make a decision, where do MLBTR readers believe he’ll land? Will he hitch his wagon to the reigning World Series champs in Los Angeles? Will he join his longtime friend and mentor Darvish in San Diego? Or will he surprise the baseball world and opt to make a name for himself in Toronto? Have your say in the poll below:

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Los Angeles Dodgers MLBTR Originals MLBTR Polls San Diego Padres Toronto Blue Jays Roki Sasaki

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167 Comments

  1. James Midway

    5 months ago

    Ham Fighters

    7
    Reply
    • Joe says...

      5 months ago

      Savannah Bananas

      13
      Reply
      • mlb fan

        5 months ago

        “Savannah Bananas”…It could be huge. The Savannah Bananas are planning an all-star studded cast for their upcoming musical remake of “The Natural”.

        6
        Reply
        • 17dizzy

          5 months ago

          Padres I hope.

          1
          Reply
    • goob

      5 months ago

      Beefeaters (British Baseball League)

      1
      Reply
  2. beardedsoxfan

    5 months ago

    Dodgers

    7
    Reply
    • NYCityRiddler

      5 months ago

      Hmmm, maybe it’s all a sham, what do I know. That’s why I picked, “Other” Ahahahahaha!

      1
      Reply
    • Lets Go DBacks

      5 months ago

      If he eventually ends up signing for the Dodgers, then I really don’t see why he has chosen to sign as an amateur and play for the bare minimum some years. He could have just waited 2 more years and sign for big money. He has only spoken to “big market teams” anyhow, so it’s not like his free agency suitors in 2 years would have been much different from the teams he is choosing from right now. Seems like a dumb management move from him. With Ohtani it was definitely different as he chose for a team where he could be a 2-way player in the MLB.

      Now, maybe Roki is just testing the teams and on the 23rd he says: “thank you all, but I will be back within 2 years” and then signs for some serious money. That would be hilarious.

      9
      Reply
      • BlueSkies_LA

        5 months ago

        Humor is where you find it, I guess.

        2
        Reply
      • Anchors32

        5 months ago

        It does seem odd, but from the little I’ve read about him it seems like he’s a bit of a different cat.
        His endorsement opportunities probably skyrocket in North America, which offsets his actual salary, and he’ll be hitting arbitration a year after he would have arrived. So I could see the argument for him wanting to get over here as soon as he can. Especially since he’s a flame throwing pitcher.

        1
        Reply
      • dasit

        5 months ago

        he doesn’t need money because of existing endorsements and he wants to test himself against the best in the world. seems like he follows his own drummer. i like it

        2
        Reply
      • myaccount2

        5 months ago

        San Diego is 18th in market size, they’ve just been operating with a larger payroll than their market size would indicate. I think that distinction is important because it showed how much Seidler valued a winning product and that he wasn’t in ownership solely to bring in as much income as possible. The dude greenlit spending, even if wasn’t always done in the wisest way (although that’s probably more on Preller than Seidler).

        If Sasaki chooses San Diego, he’s choosing a winning team, not a huge market.

        3
        Reply
    • steven st croix

      5 months ago

      That should be choices A,B, and C. Joel Wolfe acting coy and being fake mad does not change that fact.

      1
      Reply
  3. terry g

    5 months ago

    He knows.

    1
    Reply
  4. carlos15

    5 months ago

    That video of him from yesterday at Petco park in Padres gear looked pretty convincing he’s going there

    6
    Reply
    • VermonsterSD

      5 months ago

      He threw in Toronto as well, and most likely did/will in LA. Although being in Brown/Gold was interesting.

      3
      Reply
      • Reynaldo's

        5 months ago

        Grainy Twitter vid or it didn’t happen

        6
        Reply
  5. mrpadre19

    5 months ago

    He’s a Padre.
    I believe helping them win their first ever Championship….along with Yu Darvish and Ruben Niebla…..are big factors.
    He could be the #1 Starter for SD in 1-2 years…he won’t ever be in LA.
    Less media scrutiny also…which is why I believe Toronto is still in the mix.
    LFGSD!

    9
    Reply
    • differentbears

      5 months ago

      If he’s as good as advertised, he’d be the 1 in LA.

      2
      Reply
    • DarrenDreifortsContract

      5 months ago

      They won’t even win the division let alone world series lol.

      3
      Reply
      • VermonsterSD

        5 months ago

        Well, they were better than the Dodgers last year other than the ill fated 24 inning egg, and both teams are close to the same as last year, so they’ll still be one of the best in baseball if they get him.

        6
        Reply
        • freddiemeetgibby

          5 months ago

          Better except their regular season record, and playoff record, and World Series win. Other than that, better

          11
          Reply
        • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

          5 months ago

          “other than the ill fated 24 inning egg”

          So you’re saying they weren’t better than the Dodgers….

          3
          Reply
        • kershawsgrandma22

          5 months ago

          Except they’re not the same as last year… the Dodgers added Snell, and have Glasnow and Ohtani returning, and upgraded their outfield.

          2
          Reply
        • DigglinDickers

          5 months ago

          Lol at you for keep saying that SD was better than the Dodgers last season. You’re in denial.

          4
          Reply
        • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

          5 months ago

          Yeah for shizz-and-giggles, I been watching the Pads players celebrating after game 3 and crying after game 5 on mlbtv….

          3
          Reply
        • fox471 Dave

          5 months ago

          Yep! If the Friars won something last year, they could make an argument they were better. Alas, it was not to be, for the 11th year in a row.

          1
          Reply
    • towinagain

      5 months ago

      I hope he ends up in SD.

      6
      Reply
      • Butter Biscuits

        5 months ago

        I do think the padres deserve a break just not this one

        Reply
    • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

      5 months ago

      Dodgers rotation is just a bunch of guys who can barely make it to 100 innings. Every year they cobble together whoever is left standing to construct a staff. Just happened to have enough this past season….

      5
      Reply
    • Reynaldo's

      5 months ago

      He has no idea of who Ruben Niela is or what the pedigree is of any of these American execs and coaches. He will rely the most on his internal advisors and baseball circle of friends and colleagues.
      It will come down to Shohei & Yoshi vs Yu Darvish.

      Reply
    • DugoutJester

      5 months ago

      @mrpadre

      Sasaki is leaps and bounds better than Yamamoto, he would undoubtedly be the #1 starter anywhere he goes within a year.

      Reply
      • fox471 Dave

        5 months ago

        Or not!

        1
        Reply
      • JCL10

        5 months ago

        Sasaki might have better stuff but theres a reason that Yamamoto won all those sawamura awards.

        He is more polished and is a better pitcher overall.

        Reply
        • DugoutJester

          5 months ago

          You are ill informed. Ive followed both for 4+ years, to say Yamamoto is the better of the two is ludicrous.

          Reply
        • JCL10

          5 months ago

          Sasaki may have more potential. But yamamoto was the better pitcher in the NPB when they both played in Japan.

          Reply
    • Sarge-21

      5 months ago

      A Padres fan fever dream… your management is in turmoil… ownership in question and heading for a judge…

      Reply
  6. DarkSide830

    5 months ago

    Manifesting San Diego

    10
    Reply
    • HatlessPete

      5 months ago

      Same. I have a secondary rooting interest in the padres due to family connections in San diego. Went to numerous padres games during the gwynn era with my grandpa growing up when we’d visit.

      And it would just be kinda gross to see the dodgers get even richer talent wise rn.

      6
      Reply
      • kingsfan1968

        5 months ago

        It would be kind of gross to see Sasaki wearing the Padres poop & pee uniform!

        3
        Reply
        • Smelly_Cobb

          5 months ago

          At least we poop and pee our team’s colors. I doubt you actually bleed blue, poser.

          1
          Reply
        • HatlessPete

          5 months ago

          Kings, in the immortal words of Billy Beane in moneyball, we’re not selling jeans here!

          Reply
        • HatlessPete

          5 months ago

          Right on smelly Cobb! (Chef’s kiss to the post username combo btw!)

          Everybody poops and pees! The Pads’ colors merely evoke our shared humanity lol!

          2
          Reply
  7. stevewpants

    5 months ago

    Come on Jays!

    8
    Reply
    • explodet

      5 months ago

      Only way that happens is if he gets paralyzed or has his throwing arm amputated before signing.

      Reply
      • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

        5 months ago

        Or if there some serious issues with his medical….

        2
        Reply
  8. just_thinkin

    5 months ago

    Mystery Team

    7
    Reply
    • colonel flagg

      5 months ago

      Saw him earlier at a brewery tour in Milwaukee.

      6
      Reply
      • differentbears

        5 months ago

        Saw him petting rays in Tampa not 15 min ago.

        8
        Reply
        • Joemo

          5 months ago

          Saw him at Logan Airport

          Reply
      • Bart Harley Jarvis

        5 months ago

        I also saw video of him working out at a downtown cheesemonger.

        2
        Reply
        • Bart Harley Jarvis

          5 months ago

          *… downtown Milwaukee cheesemonger.

          Reply
    • slund24

      5 months ago

      Well he’s currently hanging out with Ichiro in Seattle so who knows

      1
      Reply
    • mlb fan

      5 months ago

      “Mystery team”..Jon Morosi is reporting that someone just started and taxed a private jet headed for parts unknown.

      2
      Reply
    • Wire to wire 2024

      5 months ago

      He’s eating coneys at skyline right now

      1
      Reply
      • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

        5 months ago

        And a large Mac & Cheese 4-way with onions and habanero-jack cheese mix. Ironing out a deal with the Castellinis at the Oakley location on Madison Ave. As reported by Joe Danneman of Fox 19….

        2
        Reply
  9. Idosteroids

    5 months ago

    I’m still trying to figure out why he’d shrink the field down to just three teams. Sure maybe some of the mid-market teams that don’t realistically have a shot., but why lose negotiating leverage by axing the NY market altogether??

    Reply
    • Old Man D

      5 months ago

      He has all the leverage he needs. He’s going to get the max amount whatever team he chooses is able to give.

      10
      Reply
    • NYCityRiddler

      5 months ago

      There is no leverage, zero, zip, notta. First day following MLB? Ahahahahaha!

      12
      Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      5 months ago

      Leverage for what? How many bobblehead nights he gets? Training facilities and staff? Or future money illegally promised?

      4
      Reply
      • Idosteroids

        5 months ago

        the last part. very much the last part

        Reply
    • Canuckleball

      5 months ago

      What negotiating? his pay is going to be whatever the signing team has in international money.

      2
      Reply
    • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

      5 months ago

      There’s no leverage when his salary level is capped. This whole dog-and-pony hype show is kinda dumb. His agent is making him look like an attention-seeking primadonna. As if the pressure of the transition isn’t already enough….

      1
      Reply
      • Idosteroids

        5 months ago

        There is always an angle…*hands you a envelope of cash*

        Reply
      • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

        5 months ago

        I actually feel for Sasaki. His agent is putting a target on his back for whatever reason. Doing him a disservice….

        Reply
      • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

        5 months ago

        But who knows? Maybe Sasaki loves the idea of making his signing an MLB version of The Bachelor. Gunna find out who gets the rose soon enough….

        1
        Reply
    • DirtyWater04

      5 months ago

      There is nothing to leverage, he’s an amateur free agent which means every team is capped out at the same dollar amount in terms of what is the most they’re able to offer him. There is nothing “more” he is able to get by pitting teams against each other unless they’re talking about signing him for less than the max they’re allowed to offer him, which seems doubtful. In fact, this narrowing down to a top 3 is probably largely based on exactly that. He’s cut out all the places he didn’t want to be or who weren’t going to give him the max allotment from their international bonus pool, now it’s a matter of figuring out which of the remaining places he most wants to be.

      1
      Reply
      • GASoxFan

        5 months ago

        Dirty- not strictly true.

        Technically teams are capped to acquiring a percentage of their original pool, so, teams with a larger starting pool have a higher theoretical max.

        That said, we’re talk chump change for a player of that talent. As in the first endorsement deal will like pay more per month than the difference.

        2
        Reply
    • mlb fan

      5 months ago

      “Why lose negotiating leverage”…The 3 remaining teams are all clearly willing to meet Sasaki’s salary demands so no real “leverage” is lost.

      1
      Reply
  10. Jacksson13

    5 months ago

    In a surprise to all, the Minnesota Twins.

    3
    Reply
  11. Oldhalo

    5 months ago

    Dodgers… fastest way to a world Series. I’d be very surprised if he signed with the Pads or Toronto.

    If he’s as good as the hype, he might be the best player on the team in 6-7 years, after this current Dodger roster ages out. That would be an interesting article, “What do the Dodgers look like in 6-7 years”. I think the Dodgers will need him more than other teams at that point. So much can happen in 6-7 years though so who knows.

    1
    Reply
    • Canuckleball

      5 months ago

      In 6-7 years, he’ll be a free agent. They can sign him then if they want to.

      3
      Reply
    • differentbears

      5 months ago

      He might be the best pitcher the Dodgers would have right now. This idea that he has to go elsewhere to properly compete or that he wouldn’t be up to the challenge of establishing himself among the other aces in LA is pure guesswork.

      2
      Reply
      • BlueSkies_LA

        5 months ago

        More than guesswork, it also defies logic. That said, we’re hearing a variety of evaluations of his current ability level. Pitchers are rarely fully polished at age 23, and especially if they’ve played only outside of MLB. So I would not assume he’s a drop-in ace, no matter where he signs. He’s likely to require a period of adjustment, as most pitchers who come over from NPB or KBO do.

        3
        Reply
  12. Dotnet22

    5 months ago

    Dodgers, same as everyone else.

    1
    Reply
  13. Skyrider123

    5 months ago

    LA is set up to win a championship for the next few years. If Roki wants to consistently win, there isnt any other choice than LA.

    2
    Reply
  14. Old York

    5 months ago

    Los Padres de San Diego
    サンディエゴ・パドレス

    7
    Reply
    • Candlestoked

      5 months ago

      En tus sueños, tal vez.

      1
      Reply
      • Old York

        5 months ago

        ¡Pues, ya verás!

        2
        Reply
  15. saj

    5 months ago

    He will sign where just about every FA signs, where the most $ are. Except in this case, the $ are nearly all going to be endorsement deals.

    He is worth 50mm$ or soto the winner.

    The club that arranges the most $ for him from its regular sponsors (by cutting its own side deals with them) will win.

    1
    Reply
  16. PrincessYuki

    5 months ago

    If he chooses the Dodgers he and Ohtani should be booed in every ballpark. If he chooses the Padres or Blue Jays he would have gained my respect.

    8
    Reply
  17. BennyG1919

    5 months ago

    We all know he’s gonna sign with the dodgers, why is this even a question

    3
    Reply
    • pjmcnu

      5 months ago

      It’s the offseason and the press desperately want a return to the Ohtani drama. So they’re trying to manufacture it.

      Reply
  18. pjmcnu

    5 months ago

    The fact that the vote has the Dodgers below 50% is a testament to the media’s success in ginning up a nonexistent horse race (aided & abetted by Sasaki and his representation) to help fill columns in the offseason. We’ve known it’s the Dodgers since the summer. This is all kabuki theater.

    5
    Reply
    • Digdugler

      5 months ago

      Sports fans think with their hearts, not their brains.

      4
      Reply
  19. O'sSayCanYouSee

    5 months ago

    I’m almost hoping he chooses the Jays. Vlad Jr can’t do it all he himself. Jays “need” him the most (vs. SD, LA)

    2
    Reply
  20. Heels On The Field

    5 months ago

    DODGERS

    Dodgers prospect signing just signed elsewhere.

    Eric at Fangraphs just posted his International signing Top Fifty with bonuses. Number of guys signing with the Dodgers? ZERO

    Padres? Yes a couple that eats over half their signing pool. Same with the Blue Jays. No Dodgers at all though, something that you never see. The Dodgers frequently have multiple million dollar signings.

    It’s the Dodgers.

    2
    Reply
    • Oldhalo

      5 months ago

      @ Heels On The Field -If accurate, great point. That makes it fairly obvious.

      1
      Reply
    • NeilM

      5 months ago

      those are verbal agreements – teams can walk away from them – so if the Jays throw all $$ at Sasaki – those Jan15 guys will sign someplace else

      2
      Reply
      • Oldhalo

        5 months ago

        Didn’t know that. Thanks for the insight.

        1
        Reply
  21. Seattle Blues

    5 months ago

    Just saw him throwing fish at Pike Place Market.

    4
    Reply
  22. YanksPhan42

    5 months ago

    These Japanese players are disappointing. It’s like the NBA today. Can you imagine Bird back in the day saying he could only win if they traded for Magic and Dr J? Why would Sasaki want to be the 5th starter with 2 other Japanese bigger stars on the same team. Go to a team where you’re THE man, get ALL of the Japanese following and LEAD your team!

    Reply
    • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

      5 months ago

      Well, it’d be the easiest transition. No pressure when you can hide behind Sho & Yo. He can easily go somewhere else in 6 years if he doesn’t feel like he’s getting enough attention. If that’s what he really wants….

      3
      Reply
  23. slund24

    5 months ago

    LA does have the best experience with Japanese Interrupters

    4
    Reply
  24. johncoltrane

    5 months ago

    900 delusional canadians

    5
    Reply
  25. Huck 3

    5 months ago

    IMO, the current mess L.A. has made of its corrupt incompetent DEI self should rule them out. If he doesn’t see it that way, then let him who will not see go to those who refuse to see.

    2
    Reply
    • freddiemeetgibby

      5 months ago

      Wtf are you talking about? This is baseball rumors, not xenophobia rumors.

      2
      Reply
      • Huck 3

        5 months ago

        I see you might be one of those who refuse to see. You must not know the meaning of xenophobia, even though you used the word. I was talking about the city, not the team. L.A. is where the team is. Incompetent corrupt DEI city.

        1
        Reply
        • Javia135

          5 months ago

          “DEI self””DEI city”. You do know that Sasaki is Japanese, right?

          Reply
        • Huck 3

          5 months ago

          Do you have any clue what DEI is, and the great harm it causes?

          1
          Reply
        • Seattle Blues

          5 months ago

          This is a baseball website not a effing political forum. Most of us follow sports to get away from that BS. Go watch the news JA.

          Reply
        • MLB Top 100 Commenter

          5 months ago

          Xenophobia is a fear of Xena, Warrior Princess, right?

          DEI stands for doubles in extra innings, right?

          Stick to baseball, my friends.

          2
          Reply
    • johncoltrane

      5 months ago

      LA is a huge mess

      But roki will make bank with those endorsements
      Why do you think ohtani is ok to defer $680 mil? Bc he’s on every billboard in LA & in every commercial

      2
      Reply
      • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

        5 months ago

        Like every disaster, the mess will get cleaned up and the communities rebuilt. Btw, Altadena bout to get gentrified….

        Reply
        • johncoltrane

          5 months ago

          ofc LA will rebuild, its 1 of the biggest cities on earth. i was in NY in 9/11, it was back to normal after 6 months. but it will take 50$ billion to clean up , & rebuild LA.
          what the city rly needs is better leadership. dont wanna get political. but bass is an idiot. and newsom should resign, total incompetent imbecile. ’28 WH run is over after this humiliating disaster.
          praise to the firefighters tho, they are working tirelessly, i might go volunteer, give em some food/water. LAFD lost 20$ million in their budget last yr. and 100$mil was cut from forest management budget. the fire was started by some idiot most likely. but it could have been put out in 2-3 days if there was water in hydrants and reservoirs.

          Reply
    • Seattle Blues

      5 months ago

      WTF? What are you talking about? This is baseball not foxnews.

      Reply
  26. West Coast Blue Jay

    5 months ago

    Can Atkins finally get his man? That guy really needs a win.

    Reply
    • NYCityRiddler

      5 months ago

      If he does pick the Jays they’ll move him at the deadline along with the Blob & Bo sheep. Ahahahahahaha!

      Reply
    • Digdugler

      5 months ago

      Its not up to Atkins, as Toronto is not in California.

      Reply
  27. jimmertee

    5 months ago

    If anyone doesn’t think that there will be no handsake deals on the side between the MLB club and Sasaki along with the “alloted” funds, you are dreaming.

    1
    Reply
  28. Acoss1331

    5 months ago

    Friars win this sweepstakes. The team is competitive and his guy, Yu Darvish, is on the team.

    5
    Reply
  29. HalosHeavenJJ

    5 months ago

    I’d bet on the Dodgers but it would be a ton more fun if he chose SD.

    5
    Reply
  30. amjr

    5 months ago

    The fact the Blue Jays haven’t been eliminated makes me think that’ll be his choice. Just a hunch. Only Roki knows.

    4
    Reply
    • MRSHOWTIME

      5 months ago

      Just like Ohtani last year chose TOr

      2
      Reply
      • Jaysfansince92

        5 months ago

        And the award for most original comment goes to…

        Reply
  31. CardsFan57

    5 months ago

    Salary is capped so go with the best chance to win and get endorsements. One team on his list has both by a wide margin.

    Reply
  32. GenoSeligPrieb

    5 months ago

    He’ll be a Dodger. Eventually, we’ll learn that they’re paying him $500 million in 2047, and the other owners will say “How can we object? That’s good for baseball!!”

    Reply
  33. TJECK109

    5 months ago

    Doesn’t matter where he signs initially. Whenever this first contract is up he’ll end up with the Dodgers

    Reply
  34. iains 2

    5 months ago

    What’s to stop a club from signing him with their international pool money but also have an agreed upon extension they invoke as soon as he hits their mlb roster?

    Reply
    • BlueSkies_LA

      5 months ago

      The answer to your question is the CBA.

      4
      Reply
  35. Luis_Fazenda

    5 months ago

    He’s signing with the Toledo Mud Hens. Jamie Farr is my next-door neighbor. It’s a done deal.

    1
    Reply
  36. Candlestoked

    5 months ago

    He will end up somewheres Dodgery.

    Reply
  37. leftcoaster

    5 months ago

    Toronto is a breeze to get to from Japan if you take the northern route and fly over the top of the earth. I vote for Toronto.

    1
    Reply
    • BrianCashmansBurner

      5 months ago

      Everywhere is easy to get to if you just build a tunnel under the earth. I can’t believe the Yankees didn’t consider this.

      3
      Reply
    • NeilM

      5 months ago

      they don’t fly over the pole – its not actually shorter.
      Flight times:
      Toronto to Japan about 13-14 hours direct
      LA to Japan about 11-12 hours direct

      1-2 hours is really not that big a deal

      So flight times are really not the issue

      1
      Reply
      • BlueSkies_LA

        5 months ago

        They fly great circles. The great circle from Toronto to Tokyo passes quite close to the North Pole. By great circle, Toronto is about 800 nm farther from Tokyo than Los Angeles.

        1
        Reply
  38. James Midway

    5 months ago

    It is odd that he shrinks it to three teams instead of just announcing it. I know he gave teams “homework” at the meetings. Maybe by limiting it to three he is telling the others thanks but don’t bother with the follow-up work.

    Reply
  39. DigglinDickers

    5 months ago

    Whoever signs him better get ready to pencil him in for his soon to be Tommy John surgery.

    Reply
  40. dajuba

    5 months ago

    You need a poll to know he’s signing with the Dodgers?

    1
    Reply
  41. Begamin

    5 months ago

    As a Yankees fan I still kinda want him to go to the Jays, just to kind of switch it up from them majorly going west coast.

    Also, man Yankees havent been able to land a big time Japanese player since Tanaka, whats up with that?

    2
    Reply
  42. ACK

    5 months ago

    Roki is signing with the SD Padres. If he wanted to be a Dodger, he’d wait 2 years and sign a $300M plus contract. The fact that Roki is coming to MLB 2 years early is he wants to learn from Darvish before Yu Darvish retires and he knows the Padres can’t pay him $300M.

    2
    Reply
    • leftcoaster

      5 months ago

      The Padres ownership issues are such a mess I’m surprised Sasaki is even considering them. Heck I read yesterday they’re even considering trading Suarez. They will have nothing left but Sasaki, Tatis and aging, bloated contracts a year from now.

      Reply
      • Jerry Hairston Jr's Toupee

        5 months ago

        I guess Machado is chopped liver now….

        Reply
        • leftcoaster

          5 months ago

          The Padres owe Manny $17 million for 25, $25 million for 26 and $39 million in 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33. He’s already 32 years old and starting to decline. This is a problem.

          1
          Reply
        • DigglinDickers

          5 months ago

          Machado has posted back to back seasons with an OPS under 800.

          Reply
  43. DroppedThirdStrike

    5 months ago

    Iains 2- The rules

    Reply
  44. BlueSkies_LA

    5 months ago

    I wouldn’t handicap anyone on this short list, but it should be said that the biggest argument against San Diego is the current food fight over the franchise management within the Seidler family. This could shake out any number of ways, none of them very conducive to playing competitive baseball.

    3
    Reply
  45. Kyak

    5 months ago

    He was a Dodger from day 1. His agent got caught making the deal before he was able to so they had to act like he went through the process.

    The whole process needs to be changed. An international draft needs to be implemented or they need to be included in the actual draft. Enough of this.

    3
    Reply
    • DroppedThirdStrike

      5 months ago

      The draft is for amateurs. Roki and all players from KBO and NPB are professionals. There are rules in place for professionals coming over. If Roki wants to come over early he forfeits his rights to unrestricted free agency and is limited to a minor league deal, which he has done.

      2
      Reply
    • jimmertee

      5 months ago

      There will be a quiet handshake deal as a part of Sasaki signing with the Dodgers,.no question. Any thoughts otherwise is naive.

      I can hear the conversation, “we will take care of you, no worries”.

      Reply
  46. wesleycoxx

    5 months ago

    Madre fans some delusional ass people man lol

    1
    Reply
  47. NeilM

    5 months ago

    The fact that the Jays are in this at all is interesting – why include them?
    They cannot be used as leverage – all teams have basically the same pool of $$
    So its about something else – and Sasaki from all accounts is his own style of cat – Toronto is such an international city I wonder if that helps?
    I wonder if the “homework” he provided each team was a long term roadmap of their plans – with all those deferred payments I really wonder what LA’s is gonna be like
    San Diego – personally I think I would avoid with the legal fight over ownership happening – it could get ugly and huge commitments for them could become difficult.

    3
    Reply
    • Jaysfansince92

      5 months ago

      Pete Walker has gotten the best out of more than one pitcher brought in from outside the organization. I wouldn’t be surprised if he aced the homework.

      1
      Reply
  48. This one belongs to the Reds

    5 months ago

    Why bother with a poll? It was said and done many moons ago despite the baloney out there leaked by MLB media.

    1
    Reply
  49. Dustyslambchops23

    5 months ago

    I’m feeling Padres on this one, it’s a good fit for him and clearly he’s super competitive. Thinking he tries to be a dragon slayer vs joining the big bad dodgers.

    Just a hunch.

    1
    Reply
  50. highflyballintorightfield

    5 months ago

    The “fix is in for the Dodgers” doom-posters can’t even muster a majority.

    Reply
    • Old York

      5 months ago

      @highflyballintorightfield

      He wants to be on the Blue Jays. I’ve been texting him and he’s excited about being a Blue Jay.

      1
      Reply
  51. metsfan79

    5 months ago

    I’m over this. MLB needs to step in and do something about the spending. funny from a mets guy, right? but that’s just the thing… it’s what you gotta do now. if it was my Mets doing it, I’d just be laughing, but I’d still think the same thing. it’s not good for the sport…. we all know who’s signing him.

    Reply
    • McGurk

      5 months ago

      What should MLB do? Tell the Dodgers they can’t get better because the other teams are getting their feelings hurt? God forbid a team win two WS in 20+ years…

      Reply
  52. DLA75Mets

    5 months ago

    No option for what if some the reports are wrong he hasn’t ruled out at least some of those teams that he supposedly ruled out .

    Reply
  53. trader3569

    5 months ago

    Never been much doubt, Dodgers.

    Reply
  54. oriole

    5 months ago

    I said Padres because the Dodgers are breaking baseball and because it’s funny to see the Blue Jays want so badly to be relevant and free agents keep saying nah

    Reply
  55. The Saber-toothed Superfife

    5 months ago

    He WILL sign……

    on the dotted line!

    Reply
  56. alan.kawadler@verizon.net 2

    5 months ago

    Henry offered him the opportunity to drive One of his race cars if he signs with the red sox.

    Reply
  57. wallabeechamp

    5 months ago

    The disengenuine vote got MY Padres to 39%!

    Reply
  58. CC Ryder

    5 months ago

    I would be shocked if it hasn’t been a done deal with the LAD for months with his tour of other teams only a smoke screen to avoid charges of LA tampering with him. LA has the advantage, with MLB backing, of being the only place where your vices and bad habits can be blamed on your interpreter

    Reply
  59. SeanStL

    5 months ago

    What could Toronto possibly be offering him to still be in the race?

    Reply
  60. The Saber-toothed Superfife

    5 months ago

    No, no…
    He will sign….
    On the bottom line.

    Reply
  61. Astros_fan_in_Aus

    5 months ago

    It’s anybody’s guess where he signs, though I wonder if the ownership issues at the Padres may spoil their chances. As for the Dodgers, Sasaki might feel he would be a small fish in a large pond there, and he would clearly be behind Ohtani and Yamamoto in the pecking order..
    How the Blue Jays are even in contention is a complete mystery to me.

    1
    Reply
    • McGurk

      5 months ago

      He would be behind Darvish, Cease, King with the padres. Wherever he goes he is going to have to prove himself.

      Reply
      • Astros_fan_in_Aus

        5 months ago

        You may be right, there will probably be a settling in period, but at his best he is way better than those three.

        Reply
  62. curtism88

    5 months ago

    The fact less than 75% said the Dodgers is astounding to me. The Padres and Blue Jays are DEI candidates

    Reply
  63. dano62

    5 months ago

    If he signs in SD peavy as good as gone; if he signs in LA Ohtani becomes the closer. No mess no fouls if he signs in TO tho!

    Reply
  64. The Saber-toothed Superfife

    5 months ago

    yōyaku
    tensen

    Kuuki wo yomu

    1
    Reply
  65. Shady1771

    5 months ago

    Won’t be with the Jays. Why would he? Future is unstable in TO for the foreseeable future. I hope I’m wrong but so far this offseason has been nonexistent for the most part.

    Reply
  66. angels fan for life

    5 months ago

    If the Dodgers sign him stop watching baseball it bs that there let them spend so much money it a joke

    Reply
  67. MLBTR needs to hire editors

    5 months ago

    “Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and, now, Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim.”

    You again used commas wrong. If you insist on not using the Oxford comma, then it should be “Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and now Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim.”

    Reply

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