The Cubs had a seat at the table in their attempt to lure Japanese superstar Ru014dki Sasaki to Chicago, but that’s about it. The Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Padres are the young pitcher’s finalists, which means the Cubs will pivot from another miss. Jed Hoyer is getting blamed by some fans, but Sasaki didn’t eliminate Chicago’s North Side Baseballers over a lack of funds. Some poor optics, circumstantial or not, may have hurt Chicago’s chances, however.
- Though Sasaki can only be paid from any team’s bonus pool, Hoyer’s frugality could have played a role.