Radio host offers best pitch for Mets to acquire Roki Sasaki despite competition from Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, Cubs

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki became one of the coveted free agents in the offseason with several teams pursuing the pitching sensation after he was posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines on Dec. 9.

The New York Mets are also heavily linked with the young Japanese hurler but face stiff competition from the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants.

Radio host Karlos Ortiz joined the New York Post Sports to discuss the Mets' pursuit of Roki Sasaki as the front office is seen as reluctant to offer a lengthy contract to an ace.

He said (16:20 onwards):

"Bringing Sean Manaea back was a very important part of the piece but I think the attention completely shifts to Roki Sasaki. If you can get Roki Sasaki who's been posted by a Japanese Club, that is going to be something that can solidify the top end of your rotation."

While the Mets' financial might is second to none in the MLB, the Dodgers and Yankees can also tempt Sasaki with lucrative deals. Ortiz shared a potential Mets pitch to sign the Japanese sensation, adding:

"Now here's the problem with that. Sasaki's got a lot of suitors. So the Mets have a lot of competition, including rivals, the Yankees, the Dodgers, the Padres the Cubs are all in on Suzaki. There's a lot that teams can offer him. So do you want to get into a overpay for a situation?

"That's still virtually unknown because he hasn't pitched in the States. Uh, now it worked out for Kodai Senga, albeit not last year with the multiple injuries, but it's very possible. To make a similar pitch to Sasaki. Look at how Senga has translated over to the American game."

Dodgers meet with Roki Sasaki amid interest from several teams

The Los Angeles Dodgers became the sixth MLB franchise to meet with Roki Sasaki and his representatives after their meeting on Saturday. The allure of Los Angeles is very tempting with Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto already with the NL West team.

However, Dodgers' NL rival, the Padres are also a strong contender for Sasaki given the 23-year-old's bond with San Diego ace Yu Darvish. Sasaki's agent spoke about their relationship and his interest in joining the Padres.

"I would assume that would be a team that he would seriously consider,” Joel Wolfe said. “His relationship with Darvish is private between the two of them, and how much that will weigh on his decision-making, we'll have to find out."

The race to sign Roki Sasaki is heating up as the window to sign the former NPB pitcher ends on Jan. 23.