Updates – Roki Sasaki to Padres
Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki has reportedly narrowed his Major League Baseball options to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, effectively eliminating the San Diego Padres from contention.
Sasaki, 23, has been a standout performer in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Chiba Lotte Marines, notably pitching a perfect game in 2022 with 19 strikeouts.
The Padres had previously engaged in discussions with Sasaki, including an in-person meeting in San Diego.
However, they have since redirected their focus toward signing other international prospects, such as left-handed pitcher Carlos Alvarez and shortstop Jhoan De La Cruz.
Sasaki has until January 23 to finalize his decision; otherwise, he will return to the Chiba Lotte Marines for the 2025 season.
