Roki Sasaki Hot Stove: MLB insider claims Dodgers, Yankees, Mets among teams emerging as 'front-runners' to sign Japanese sensation

The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers and New York Mets are among the frontrunners to land Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, insider Ken Rosenthal claims.

In an appearance on Foul Territory published on Friday, Rosenthal explained part of the selection process Roki Sasaki and his camp are going through.

Rosenthal mentioned that virtually every team in the Majors has expressed interest in the right-hander. However, about ten teams were told:

“Don’t bother.”

The comment underscores teams that Sasaki has no interest in speaking with. Rosenthal named the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies as teams trying to get their foot in their door but unable to make any headway.

The Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Padres and Rangers have emerged as the frontrunners from the remaining 20 teams.

“There are teams that have been identified as the leaders, the ones that have met with Sasaki," Rosenthal said. "And, there are teams that have wanted to get a seat at the table but have seemingly been unable to. Red Sox and Phillies come to mind there.”

“I don't know where this is going. I don't know where he’s going to end up. Anyone who tells you otherwise is kidding themselves. But it certainly seems like the teams we’ve heard have been mentioned: The Dodgers, the Mets, the Yankees, the Padres, the Rangers, and some others. Those are the obvious frontrunners.”

While there is no firm timeline for Sasaki's signing, logic would suggest he needs to sign within the next couple of weeks as the window for new international signings looms.

Roki Sasaki in Japan pondering next phase of process

A Dec. 30 piece by ESPN described how Roki Sasaki is in Japan “mulling” over the next phase in the signing process.

The right-hander is considered one of the best young pitchers on the planet, prompting about every Major League team to approach the Sasaki camp.

Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, has publicly announced that more than 20 teams have approached the right-hander. However, Sasaki has only met with “a set few number of teams.”

Given Rosenthal’s comments, there is a clear indication of which teams Wolfe referred to. Despite the lack of a firm timeline, there is a deadline the Sasaki camp must comply with.

Sasaki must sign between Jan. 15 and 23, as this is the window Major League Baseball assigns for new international signings. If the Sasaki camp doesn’t get a deal during this window, Sasaki will become ineligible to play in the MLB in 2025.