"$700M, 60-year deferred deal from the Dodgers"; "He'll join Trevor Bauer in Mexico" -MLB fans eager as Roki Sasaki likely to announce team this week

On Monday, MLB insider Jon Morosi reported via X (formerly Twitter) that highly sought-after Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is on the verge of announcing which franchise he has decided to sign with.

Reacting to the news, several fans voiced their opinions in the comment section.

"Oh gosh, let me guess…. $700 million, 60-year deferred deal from the Dodgers…. #BaseballisBroken"

"He'll join Trevor Bauer on Diablos Rojos del México."

"Dodgers or Padres it's not a secret we all know this by now" a fan wrote

"Dodgers. Obviously. I don't know why the rest of us even waste our time." another fan commented

"Most obvious signing ever and when he does sign with the Dodgers you guys need to do something because it’s not good for the sport @MLB" another fan posted

"This is beyond absurd….. everyone knows it’ll be the dodgers or padres….. just choose…. Stop drawing it out for clicks." another fan shared

Currently only 23, Sasaki is seen as one of the most talented young pitchers in the world. Having made his NPB debut in May of 2021 for the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki has an impressive list of achievements, earning two NPB All-Star caps.

Sasaki was also a part of the Japan team that won gold at the World Baseball Classic in 2023, alongside fellow big league superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

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Why Padres and Dodgers seem like the most likely destinations for Roki Sasaki

Ever since it was announced that the Chiba Lotte Marines were going to allow Roki Sasaki to make the move to the MLB this offseason, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the Japanese international's eventual destination. However, it looks likely that Sasaki will eventually end up with either the San Diego Padres or the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Yu Darvish (L) and Roki Sasaki (R) pose with their WBC winners' medals - Source: Getty

In the Padres case, the biggest factor that may end up bringing Sasaki to San Diego is his strong bond with starting pitcher Yu Darvish, who he also reportedly considers a 'mentor.' Joe Musgrove, a key member of the Padres pitching staff is also set to miss the 2025 season due to Tommy John Surgery, and the Friars could do with Sasaki's services to make up for that absence.

On the other hand, making a move to the Dodgers allows Sasaki to play with Japanese icon, Shohei Ohtani, which is huge for any young players coming out of Japan. Compatriot Yoshinobu Yamamoto is also on the Blues' roster, and a move to LA may be the most 'comfortable' transition that Roki Sasaki could get.