Japan to San Diego: Padres Touted as Legitimate Contenders for…

The MLB Winter Meetings are heating up, and now that Juan Soto is off the board, another name is already stealing the spotlight: Roki Sasaki. The Japanese pitching sensation has officially been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. This move allows Sasaki to negotiate with MLB teams, though he isn’t expected to sign until after the international amateur signing period, which runs from January 15 to January 23, 2025.

Padres Are “Legitimate Contenders” for Japanese Phenom

Mike Shildt’s Bold Comments

On Monday, Padres manager Mike Shildt voiced optimism about the team’s chances of signing Sasaki during an interview with MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. “We fully expect to be right in the mix and, at the end of the day, have Sasaki as a Padre,” Shildt stated. He described the Padres as “legitimate contenders” for the Japanese ace. He also praised general manager A.J. Preller’s proven ability to attract top international talent. Shildt added that the team plans to put on a “full-court press” to secure Sasaki. It highlights the Padres’ long-standing interest in the pitcher.

Preller has previously hinted at Sasaki’s potential fit with the team. He even mentioned him in a speech commemorating the late Peter Seidler, the team’s former owner. Additionally, Sasaki’s close relationship with Padres veteran Yu Darvish could play a pivotal role in swaying the phenom to choose San Diego. Darvish, a Japanese baseball icon, has served as a mentor to Sasaki.

Sasaki Could Boost Padres’ Rotation

The Padres need a frontline starter. Joe Musgrove will miss the 2025 season after Tommy John surgery, leaving a gap in the rotation. The team has already lost out on Blake Snell to the Dodgers and lacks the budget to sign top free agents like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. Sasaki offers a unique solution. Because of MLB’s international bonus pool rules, signing him won’t require a massive financial commitment. This flexibility would allow the Padres to address other roster needs without overspending.

Dodgers Also Interested

The Padres’ pursuit of Roki Sasaki has injected excitement into an otherwise quiet offseason. While Shildt’s confidence is encouraging for Padres fans, the competition for Sasaki remains fierce. The Dodgers are widely seen as favorites, especially with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto advocating for him to join them in Los Angeles.

However, the Padres have a strong case to make. Reuniting with Darvish and joining a team eager to return to postseason contention could be compelling factors for Sasaki. Preller’s track record of creative signings and international scouting prowess also gives San Diego an edge. Padres fans should buckle up for what promises to be a thrilling battle for one of baseball’s most electrifying talents.