Roki Sasaki Not Signing With Dodgers’ Major NL West Rival in Massive Development
Roki Sasaki won’t be signing with one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ biggest rivals.
San Francisco Giants general manager Zack Minasian said Monday that the team has been told they will not be Sasaki’s choice in free agency.
More news: Dodgers Lose International Signee to Pirates as LA Seems to Be All In on Roki Sasaki
While this doesn’t come as a surprise — as the Giants were far from a favorite for the Japanese pitcher — it is valuable information that Sasaki is starting to narrow down his options.
The Dodgers have long been considered a favorite for Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese phenom who’s expected to sign between Jan. 15-23.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman called Sasaki a “major priority” for L.A. this offseason, and the team has their sights set on adding him to a rotation that is also getting Shohei Ohtani back in 2025.
Sasaki has his sights set on being the greatest pitcher in Major League Baseball, and Friedman believes he can get there.
“He has talked about his desire to be the best pitcher in the world,” Friedman said at the Winter Meetings, “and we believe he’s capable of being the best pitcher in the world.”
“He’s incredibly talented,” Friedman added. “Really physical, incredible carrying fastball. His split is well above the average major league pitch. He’s worked hard on his slider, and it’s a really good pitch.”
In addition to the Dodgers, the NL West’s San Diego Padres have been considered a frontrunner for Sasaki. However, it’s unclear how the team’s current turmoil in the ownership could affect their pursuit.
Catch up with all the latest Roki Sasaki news:
Another Major Contender Officially Out of Roki Sasaki Sweepstakes as Dodgers Target Nears Decision
Roki Sasaki Has Ruled Out Fourth Team as Dodgers Target Narrows Down Potential Suitors
Dodgers Target Roki Sasaki Had Second Meeting With Padres and Blue Jays in Their Cities
Dodgers Lose International Signee to Pirates as LA Seems to Be All In on Roki Sasaki
Roki Sasaki Scouting Report: Full Breakdown of Dodgers Free Agent Target
Why Are the Dodgers the Best Landing Spot for Roki Sasaki?
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
If you want to get a chance to win you go to the dodgers if you’re ok with being mediocre then go to slum diego and there you will not win anything