Erik Boland of Newsday reported earlier today that the New York Yankees are one of several teams that have been scouting Japanese star right-hander Roki Sasaki throughout the season. Despite the strong competition, the Yankees have shown significant interest in the 23-year-old ace, who is having another impressive season. Unlike Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who secured a massive contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sasaki won’t be entering a bidding war, but rather will need to be convinced to join a team.
Sasaki’s performance this season includes a 1.96 ERA and a 0.972 WHIP over nine starts, slightly higher than his previous season’s numbers but still highly impressive. His fluctuating fastball velocity, likely a measure to stay healthy, doesn’t diminish his status as one of the most promising pitchers, potentially making a significant impact this winter.
### Strong Competition for Sasaki’s Signature
Roki Sasaki’s exceptional talent and affordability make him a sought-after player across the league. The Yankees are keen to secure a cost-controlled ace capable of dominating hitters with his powerful pitches, though convincing Sasaki to choose them will be challenging.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a formidable competitor, offering the appeal of playing alongside Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The San Diego Padres are also expected to be aggressive in their pursuit, with General Manager AJ Preller explicitly mentioning Sasaki in discussions about international talent acquisition.
The New York Mets, having been finalists for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, are also in the race. They have scouts in Japan and a promising young core that could attract Sasaki, who might relish the opportunity to join Kodai Senga in their rotation and become a franchise face.
### Yankees’ Determined Pursuit
While many teams are vying for Sasaki, the Yankees remain confident. Despite the East Coast disadvantage, with many Japanese stars preferring West Coast teams due to proximity, the Yankees believe their consistent scouting indicates serious intent. Their financial capacity won’t hinder their pursuit, making them a strong contender for Sasaki’s signature.