The race to sign Japanese pitching prodigy Roki Sasaki is grabbing attention during the MLB offseason. Both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are leading contenders for his signature. Traditionally the Japanese players prefer the Dodgers for their reputation in the international market. However, the Padres have unexpectedly provided stiff competition with an enticing recruitment strategy. An interesting twist in Sasaki’s decision-making process is the Dodgers pitching depth, which could ultimately hinder their chances of landing the 23-year-old ace.

While the Dodgers have a pitching lineup featuring pitchers like Clayton Kershaw and recently added Blake Snell, they may face a challenge with their pitching depth when it comes to Sasaki’s role in the rotation. The lineup for this season is set as they plan to start a six-man rotation, which they can afford due to their solid pool of pitchers. Nevertheless, for a rising talent like Roki Sasaki, being in contention for playing time in such a crowded rotation could be less enticing. In contrast, the Padres can offer him a clearer path to being the ace of their staff, a role that could help Sasaki develop into the superstar many expect him to be.

Dodgers’ deep rotation, a blessing or a curse?

Dodgers Muse posted a video on X with a caption of Jon Heyman’s prediction of Roki Sasaki’s favorite teams. He wrote, “The Dodgers remain favored, followed by the Padres. The Dodgers established themselves as the team for Japan’s stars, but Sasaki’s admiration of Padres ace Yu Darvish and a clear path to be their ace gives them a shot.”

The Padres indeed offer unique advantages in their pursuit of Roki Sasaki. Their status as a “mid-market” team could align with Sasaki’s preference for a less intense spotlight compared to a team like the Dodgers. Additionally, Sasaki’s connection to Yu Darvish, who has been a mentor and could play a significant role in recruiting him, strengthens San Diego’s pitch. Darvish’s influence, combined with the presence of Hideo Nomo as a special assistant—a legend in bridging the NPB-MLB gap—gives the Padres a personal edge that complements their organizational appeal.

The Padres are eager to narrow the distance, with the Dodgers in the NL West actively seeking Sasaki to become a core player for their team. Hideo Nomos’s position as an advisor adds weight to their pitch by providing Sasaki with advice for moving smoothly from NPB to MLB.

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Mid-market appeal: Why San Diego could suit Roki Sasaki

San Diego’s status as a mid-market team offers a unique allure for Roki Sasaki, who might prefer a softer spotlight compared to the relentless attention in Los Angeles. The Padres provide a less pressurized environment where Sasaki can establish himself as a star without the overwhelming media scrutiny that often accompanies Dodgers players. This balance of passionate support and manageable expectations makes San Diego an attractive option for a young international player navigating the cultural and professional transition from Japan to MLB.

Additionally, Sasaki’s potential fit mirrors Shohei Ohtani’s decision to prioritize comfort and opportunity when he chose the Angels over bigger-market teams. In San Diego, Sasaki would also benefit from strong mentorship through Yu Darvish and the guidance of Hideo Nomo, creating an environment tailored to his success. With the Padres’ focus on elevating him to a prominent role, the city’s mid-market charm could be a pivotal factor in swaying his decision.

Moreover, Roki Sasaki’s choice will be influenced by factors beyond tradition or market size—it’s about having the chance to lead, receiving mentorship to succeed, and being in an environment that fosters growth. Whether he opts for the limelight of the Dodgers or the rounded charm of the Padres, Sasaki’s decision will impact the fate of the team he joins.