"That's why Roki Sasaki sweepstakes is so important" - Radio host claims Padres need Japanese ace in light of Michael King, Dylan Cease situation

The San Diego Padres are in the running for Roki Sasaki and one analyst believes that signing the Japanese ace could change their entire offseason. The 23-year-old flamethrower is the latest talent posted in the MLB market from the NPB and has attracted interest from several teams.

Host of the "Jon and Jim" podcast, Jim Russell believes that signing Sasaki should be a priority for the Padres front office this year (5:30 onwards):

"The entire offseason could flip on its head, if they land Roki... You're going forward and you have a long-term vision. You don't land Roki, it's like, now what? Because your rotation after this season is nothing.

"That's why this whole Roki Sasaki sweepstakes is so important. You land Roki, you can fall back and be like, 'next year we have Roki, we have Joe (Musgrove), we have Yu (Darvish), let's try and workosomething out'. It's close to the top of the list, but it's not like a do-or-die situation if you don't re-sign Michael King or Dylan Cease."

As of now, the San Diego Padres will be heading into the 2025 MLB season without having made a big signing or a big trade in the offseason. More importantly, two of their starting pitchers, Michael King and Dylan Cease, are set to enter free agency after next season.

That said, it is vital for them to bring in another starting pitcher this year so that they don't find themselves in a tough position. With Yu Darvish leading the rotation and his well-known relationship with Roki Sasaki, it makes sense for the Padres to go all in for the Japanese youngster.

MLB insider claims that the Dodgers and Padres are frontrunners in the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes

Roki Sasaki has already had meetings with several MLB teams as he considers all options before deciding on his future. While his agent stated that Sasaki is more interested in pursuing greatness rather than money, insider Jon Heyman claims that the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres are frontrunners for his signature.

The Dodgers have done well with Japanese stars in their team and have a history of developing young talent. On the other hand, the Padres have Yu Darvish, who has been a mentor to Sasaki over the past few years and wants him on the team.