After securing Max Fried for their rotation, the New York Yankees are now focusing on Japanese pitching sensation Rōki Sasaki. According to Pinstripes Nation, Sasaki has been a target for the Yankees for nearly a month. However, there were concerns that influences from Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto might lead him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has expressed admiration for Sasaki’s talent and ambition, stating:
“Big arm with a big desire to be great,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman remarked about Rōki Sasaki. “And I know his intent is to be one of the game’s greatest pitchers on the planet. We certainly would love to participate in allowing that to happen.”
Cashman’s comments underscore the Yankees’ strong interest in the 23-year-old Japanese pitching sensation, who has been a focal point of their offseason strategy. Sasaki’s exceptional talent and ambition align with the team’s goals, making him a highly sought-after addition to their rotation.
Yankees prepare for Sasaki meeting
As of Wednesday, reports indicated that Sasaki was open to meeting with all interested clubs. However, developments on Wednesday suggested a shift in this narrative. At the Winter Meetings, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that the team has prepared a presentation for Sasaki in anticipation of a face-to-face meeting with the 23-year-old right-hander.
All 30 MLB teams are expected to extend offers to Sasaki, as his age subjects him to MLB’s amateur free-agent rules, limiting the cost to international bonus pool money. This makes him an affordable yet impactful acquisition.
The Dodgers are considered strong contenders for Sasaki. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman stated on Tuesday that Sasaki is “a major priority” and that the team will “do whatever we can” to sign him. Similarly, San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed optimism about their chances, indicating the team’s intent to make a “full-court press” to acquire Sasaki.
Some outlets reported that the Dodgers and New York Mets are viewed as early favorites for Sasaki.
After losing Juan Soto to the Mets, the Yankees have begun reallocating funds toward other marquee free agents. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Max Fried agreed to an eight-year, $218 million deal with the reigning AL champions.
Sasaki was officially posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines on Monday, initiating a 45-day window for MLB teams to negotiate with him. If no agreement is reached by the 5 p.m. ET deadline on Jan. 23, Sasaki will return to his NPB club for the 2024 season.
It’s widely expected that Sasaki will sign with an MLB team before the deadline. He is part of the 2025 international amateur class, with team bonus pool allotments ranging from $4.1 million to $7.6 million. Twelve teams, including the Mets, Yankees, and Padres, have $6.3 million available, while the Dodgers have the second-lowest allotment at $5.1 million.
Teams can acquire up to 60% additional allotment through trades to enhance their offers to Sasaki, intensifying the competition for his services.
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