Yankees Set Meeting with Pitcher Roki Sasaki

The New York Yankees are intensifying their pursuit of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, with general manager Brian Cashman confirming an in-person meeting scheduled in Southern California. Sasaki, who is regarded as one of the most talented pitchers available, has a record of 29-15 with a 2.10 ERA in Japan and showcased his skills in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Unlike their past experience with Shohei Ohtani, the Yankees are making progress in their courtship of Sasaki, who is treated as an international amateur, limiting the financial offers teams can make. The Yankees have approximately $6.26 million available in their international signing pool to secure Sasaki when the signing period opens on January 15. However, the Yankees face competition from teams with larger bonus pools and the possibility that a smaller market could be more appealing for Sasaki due to media pressure. Cashman emphasized that while they can only share what they offer, landing Sasaki would significantly enhance the Yankees' pitching rotation.