Dodgers, Padres Compete for Roki Sasaki

Roki Sasaki, a highly sought-after 23-year-old Japanese pitcher, is nearing a decision on his MLB team, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays as the final contenders. Due to MLB's international bonus pool restrictions, both the Dodgers and Padres are actively seeking to trade for additional bonus pool money to enhance their offers. Currently, the Dodgers have about $5.1 million, while the Padres and Blue Jays have approximately $6.3 million, with the potential to increase these amounts further through trades. As the January 23 deadline approaches, the competition intensifies, with both teams scrambling to secure more funds. Reports indicate that Sasaki's ultimate choice will significantly impact the future of whichever franchise he signs with, as he is expected to command a record-breaking bonus for an international signee. Overall, the bidding war reflects the strategic maneuvers teams are willing to undertake to acquire top talent in the current MLB landscape.