The San Diego Padres were eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason. They could look to make additions this winter to vault them past their division rival.
While listing and ranking potential landing spots for Japanese phenom Rōki Sasaki, FanSided’s Christopher Kline named the top suitor for Sasaki.
“The Padres have the benefit of a west coast locale and Yu Darvish, who has served as a mentorship figure for Sasaki. So deep is Sasaki’s respect for Darvish, that it could ultimately inform his decision, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan,” wrote Kline.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to pursue the Chiba Lotte Marines star. However, the Padres have just as much of a chance as anyone. Since Sasaki is an amateur free agent, teams will not be able to hand him a massive contract like Yoshinobu Yamamoto received last winter. They will be able to use funds allotted to them from the international signing bonus pool. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said he expects Sasaki to sign in the 2025 signing period, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.
When the 2025 period opens on January 15, the Padres will have $6.2 million available. During a Bleacher Report livestream, Major League Baseball insider, Jon Heyman revealed that the Dodgers are a “heavy favorite” to land Sasaki, but the San Diego Padres could threaten them as Sasaki’s next team.
“I had the Padres as the next choice (for Sasaki),” said Heyman. “I’ve heard that from other teams. He has a connection with (Yu) Darvish and the Padres could be a spot. Obviously, San Diego is beloved as I said. (Juan) Soto loved living in San Diego, maybe Sasaki will too.”
Sasaki’s relationship with Darvish, San Diego being on the west coast and money not being a real factor could be enough of an edge for the Padres to land Sasaki instead of the Dodgers.
