Japanese-born pitcher Roki Sasaki’s arrival to the Major Leagues is highly anticipated. But, what is even more intriguing is which team will land the international free agent.
With two Japanese natives — Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto — on their roster, the Dodgers seem like the inevitable choice for Sasaki. However, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden is not convinced Los Angeles will acquire Sasaki.
“Although the Dodgers are interested in Sasaki and some in the industry have touted them as the favorites to land him, I don’t think that’s the case,” Bowden wrote. “In fact, based on my conversations with league sources, including front-office decision-makers who are optimistic their chances of signing Sasaki are just as strong as any team, I think it’s unlikely he’ll end up with the Dodgers.