Where Roki Sasaki will sign is a significant event that holds great importance for the baseball world. With his potential to be an ace and the unique rules governing international signings, teams are vying for his signature. This article explores the favorite teams to sign Sasaki and the factors influencing their chances.

Uncover the Top Contenders for Roki Sasaki's Signing

7. Boston Red Sox

Since winning the World Series in 2018, the Red Sox have faced challenges in recent seasons. However, a wave of potential impact talent is on the way in 2025. Their top prospects have reached Triple-A, and they could position themselves as playoff contenders. With a history of success with Japanese players and a need for a top starter, Sasaki would stand out in their rotation.The Red Sox are active in the 2025 international class, with prominent prospects like Dorian Soto. They have the potential to build a strong team and attract Sasaki with their on-field and off-field opportunities.

6. Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles offer a perennial playoff contender opportunity for Sasaki. They have a young, outstanding homegrown core lineup and are looking to bolster their starting pitching through free agency or trades. With $6,908,600 in international bonus pool money and the ability to trade for more, they have the financial flexibility to offer a lucrative deal.In Latin America for 2025, the Orioles have space available and are focused on developing young talent. Their ownership group is committed to the team, and they could easily give Sasaki a lucrative extension after he signs.

5. New York Yankees

The Yankees have around $1.5 million left in their bonus pool for 2024 and are connected to Dominican shortstop Stiven Marinez. If they sign Sasaki in 2025, they could potentially land both players. With a $6,261,600 pool and connections to big names in the Dominican Republic, they have the resources to make a strong offer.As a large-market team with a history of success with Japanese players, the Yankees could check a lot of boxes for Sasaki. They are a playoff team with a winning tradition and the ability to make adjustments to their roster.

4. New York Mets

The Mets are in a tough position with their bonus pool as they consider signing Dominican shortstop Elian Peña. While they have a talented player in Peña, they also have the opportunity to sign Sasaki. With a $6,261,600 bonus pool and a new president in David Stearns, they have the motivation and resources to pursue Sasaki.The Mets have a playoff team in a big market with a wealthy owner who is willing to invest. They could join a staff with Japanese righthander Kodai Senga and have a strong pitching infrastructure to develop Sasaki.

3. Texas Rangers

The Rangers are typically aggressive in Latin America and have a significant amount of uncommitted space in their $6,261,600 pool for 2025. They have history with Japanese players and have done their homework on Sasaki.With a playoff team in 2023 and a strong rotation, the Rangers could benefit from adding Sasaki. They have the potential to get back to the playoffs in 2025 and have the resources to make a competitive offer.

2. San Diego Padres

The Padres have played at the top of the international market in recent years and have a substantial portion of uncommitted money in their $6,261,600 bonus pool. They are preparing for Sasaki and have prominent names attached to them.From Sasaki's perspective, the Padres offer a chance to play on the West Coast for a playoff team with a top 10 Japanese population. They have a strong pitching staff and the potential to add Sasaki to an already well-stocked rotation.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have the flexibility to fit Sasaki into their bonus pool for both 2024 and 2025. They have a little more than $2.5 million left for 2024 and could trade for more pool space.Despite having a smaller bonus pool compared to other teams, the Dodgers have a history of success and can sell Sasaki on the marketing upside of being in Los Angeles. They have a strong pitching development infrastructure and can offer Sasaki the opportunity to play in the postseason.However, the Dodgers face challenges such as a loss of bonus pool money when signing free agents and a disadvantage in terms of pool size compared to other teams. But their on-field and off-field advantages make them a strong contender for Sasaki's signature.