Major Japanese Outlet Reveals When Roki Sasaki is Expected to Sign as Dodgers, Padres, Blue Jays Wait
The wait for Roki Sasaki may almost be over.
According to Sponichi, a major Japanese daily sports newspaper, Roki Sasaki is expected to make his decision on Thursday, Jan. 16 (Friday, Jan. 17 in Japan).
Sponichi posted the front page of their newspaper with a caption that translates from Japanese to English as: “It has been reported in today’s Tokyo edition dated the 17th that pitcher Roki Sasaki (23), who is aiming to transfer to the majors from Lotte via the posting system, will decide on his transfer destination on the 16th (17th Japan time).”
That would mean Sasaki’s decision would come sometime on Thursday.
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While Dodgers Nation is unable to confirm the validity of the report, Sponichi was the first daily sports newspaper in Japan, having been founded in 1948. It’s also important to note that the cover features multiple logos of the Dodgers, but none of the Padres or Blue Jays.
The Dodgers have long been considered a favorite for Sasaki, the 23-year-old phenom pitcher who must decide on his MLB team by Jan. 23.
The Dodgers — with their winning ways, incredible pitching development, and two of Japan’s biggest stars in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto — have always made sense for Sasaki.
More news: Dodgers Operating With The Confidence That They’ll Sign Roki Sasaki
However, other reports have suggested Sasaki may prefer to be in a smaller market, or potentially not be in the shadow of Ohtani and Yamamoto in an effort to get endorsement deals.
Moreover, his relationship with Padres right-handed pitcher Yu Darvish has kept them as a potential favorite alongside the Dodgers.
The Blue Jays are the clear dark horse in the race, but the fact that they got a second meeting with Sasaki means they did a great job impressing him with their presentation.
Toronto also reportedly left the second meeting feeling confident in their chances to land the prize of this year’s free agent class.
While Sasaki still has a week to make his decision, according to reports out of Japan, it sounds like that announcement could come sooner rather than later.
