Surprise Team Enters The Roki Sasaki Sweepstakes

The pursuit of Japanese pitching phenom Rōki Sasaki has taken an intriguing turn with the emergence of a mystery team entering the race.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that Sasaki has engaged with “at least” one additional team beyond the previously confirmed contenders: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Texas Rangers.

While these seven teams have been viewed as the favorites to land the 23-year-old star, the identity of this new suitor remains unknown, adding suspense to one of the offseason’s most compelling free-agent sagas.

I’m hearing Rōki Sasaki has spoken with *at least* one team beyond the previously reported list of the Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Mets, Yankees, Cubs, and Rangers. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 7, 2025

Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, revealed that 20 teams initially expressed interest when the Chiba Lotte Marines posted Sasaki in early December, though the list of serious contenders has since been narrowed.

Wolfe confirmed Sasaki has met with multiple teams in Los Angeles for brief, private sessions, with reports indicating that organizations like the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox made bids but were not granted in-person meetings.

Meanwhile, speculation about the Chicago White Sox being in the mix has been dismissed, as they are reportedly no longer pursuing the pitcher. “He has met with every team without players present, for under two hours each,” Wolfe shared with MLB.com, as Sasaki carefully evaluates his options.

Sasaki, renowned for his 100-mph fastball and record-setting performances—most notably a 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022—has become one of the most sought-after arms in years. His decision, expected shortly after the international signing pool opens on January 15, could shift the balance of power for the team that secures him.

With the mystery team now in the picture and Wolfe hinting at potential visits to “one or two cities” before a deal is finalized, Sasaki’s destination remains one of the biggest storylines in baseball this offseason.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images