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Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki narrows down his decision to three MLB teams

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki speaking at a team event for the Chiba Lotte Marines (2024)
Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki speaking at a team event for the Chiba Lotte Marines (2024)The Yomiuri Shimbun via AFP / Tetsuji Noguchi
Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki (23) has officially narrowed down his list of teams to sign with to just three, according to multiple MLB insiders.

Sasaki will reportedly choose between the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, or Toronto Blue Jays as his final destination. On Monday it was reported that the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants were officially out on Sasaki. 

Sasaki could make his final decision after Wednesday when the official international amateur signing period kicks off. Whatever ball club he chooses, they will have until January 23rd to officially close on a deal. Otherwise, Sasaki will be playing in Japan for the 2025 season. 

Given Sasaki's age (under 25) and minimum experience (needs at least six seasons in an MLB-recognized organization), he is placed under international bonus pool money restrictions, which means he can only sign a minor-league contract with a signing bonus of around $10 million. 

The team Sasaki does sign to will have control over him for the next six years. As one of the biggest international prospects of the current decade, it's safe to say Sasaki will become a vital cornerstone of a team's future going forward. 

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