Roki Sasaki Narrows MLB Options to Three Teams

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki has decided not to sign with the New York Yankees or Mets, narrowing his options to the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays. Both New York teams had high hopes of acquiring the 23-year-old star, who has been a topic of interest this season, but they were informed they are out of the running. Sasaki's admiration for Yu Darvish, the Padres' pitcher, and speculation about a potential partnership with Shohei Ohtani in Los Angeles have fueled rumors about his next destination. With the international free agent signing period approaching, the Yankees and Mets will now refocus their efforts on other prospects. The Yankees, who have a strong current rotation, may look to young talents like 16-year-old Manny Cedeno, while the Mets eye 17-year-old Elian Pena. As Sasaki prepares to make his final decision, attention may soon shift to other Japanese players like Munetaka Murakami, who is expected to enter MLB after the 2025 season.