Mar 20, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) delivers a pitch during the first inning against Mexico at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

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Roki Sasaki: Blue Jays Join the Race

A new team joined the race for Roki Sasaki

Mar 20, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (14) delivers a pitch during the first inning against Mexico at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Wednesday, Roki Sasaki will have the chance to decide where he’ll make his MLB debut.

The highly sought-after Japanese pitching sensation is expected to announce his choice soon after. Until now, the usual contenders have been in the mix: the Yankees, Dodgers, and Mets.

However, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Blue Jays met with Sasaki last week, officially putting themselves in the race.

Sources: Blue Jays met last week with Roki Sasaki. With @ByMcCullough: https://t.co/ypy27zkiom
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2025

At first glance, Toronto might not seem like an obvious destination for Sasaki. Yet, the Blue Jays, often linked to high-profile free agents, could pull off a surprise.

The competition, however, is fierce. Heavyweights like the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, Padres, Rangers, Mariners, and Cubs are all vying for the young star. For the Blue Jays, success will depend on leveraging their unique advantages.

One such advantage might be their prior experience with Japanese players, including Yusei Kikuchi, which could help sway Sasaki’s decision.

With Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s situation resolved, the Blue Jays can now focus on building a team capable of competing with the AL East powerhouses, the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.

Currently, Toronto’s starting rotation includes Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Bowden Francis, Chris Bassitt, and Yariel Rodríguez.

The potential addition of Roki Sasaki would provide a significant boost to their roster, although Sasaki’s ability to adapt to MLB competition remains to be seen.

Starting Wednesday, Sasaki will have until January 23 to finalize his decision and announce his new team.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Roki Sasaki

Toronto Blue Jays

Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.