Massive Roki Sasaki Update, Dodgers Get Welcomed News

Baseball: World Baseball Classic - Semifinal Japan vs Mexico
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The Los Angeles Dodgers biggest rival has been eliminated from contention for a top pitching prospect. The San Francisco Giants have been informed that they will not be selected as the destination for Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, according to general manager Zack Minasian.

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While they were seen as a long shot, the Giants were one of the teams to have met with Sasaki in person. This announcement not only confirms that the Dodgers are still in the running, but also that Sasaki has begun the process of narrowing his choices.

Sasaki can sign with a major-league club starting Wednesday when the international signing period opens. He is not expected to decide immediately, but must choose by Jan. 23, the deadline for him to sign under the posting process.

Los Angeles Dodgers Still In Play For Sasaki, San Francisco Giants Ruled Out

MLB: San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers
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The competition for Sasaki’s services has been fierce, with the San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs among the teams actively pursuing his signature. A recent report included the Toronto Blue Jays as teams who have met with Sasaki.

The Padres are seen as Sasaki’s next most favored option behind LA.

Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, previously identified Sasaki as a “major priority” for the team this offseason. Aiming to bolster a rotation that will welcome back Shohei Ohtani and will include Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in 2025, they are hoping to acquire the young Japanese right-hander.

Friedman expressed confidence in Sasaki’s potential, stating, “He has talked about his desire to be the best pitcher in the world, and we believe he’s capable of being the best pitcher in the world.”