The New York Yankees have set their sights on yet another crown jewel in their quest to dominate the MLB once more. After landing Cody Bellinger, two-time All-Star Max Fried, and closer Devin Williams, the Bombers are aiming for the stars, this time, across the Pacific. The target? Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old pitching sensation already hailed as one of the best in the world.
In what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated international signing battles in recent years, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has made it clear that Sasaki is firmly on their radar. Speaking during Max Fried’s introductory press conference, Cashman confirmed the Yankees’ pursuit of Sasaki, revealing a critical development:
“I’m happy that we have an opportunity. He’s extremely talented, no doubt about it. He’s got a chance to be one of the great pitchers in the world. It would be nice to be able to have Yankee Stadium as his home.”
The Yankees’ intent is no mere speculation. Cashman confirmed that the team has been invited to meet with Sasaki in California, marking the first steps in what could be a transformative deal for the franchise. Sasaki, currently with Japan’s Chiba Lotte Marines, becomes eligible to sign with MLB teams on January 1, 2025, setting the stage for a fierce bidding war.
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The Yankees aren’t the only suitors lining up to court Sasaki. The reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox, are also vying for the pitcher’s signature. Sasaki’s dominance on the mound has turned him into one of the most coveted arms in baseball, and teams are preparing to roll out the red carpet to secure his services.
However, there’s a catch. Due to MLB’s international signing rules, Sasaki, being under 25, is classified as an international amateur. This restricts his potential earnings under a bonus pool system typically reserved for much younger prospects. While the Yankees have a cap of $5.3 million to work with, Sasaki’s market value is already being estimated at a theoretical maximum of $7.5 million.
For the Yankees, adding Sasaki to their already star-studded roster would signal their intent to build a team for the ages, a powerhouse designed to reclaim the World Series glory that has eluded them for over a decade. With a mix of homegrown talent and blockbuster signings, the Bombers are assembling a lineup to rival the best in baseball history.
As Cashman and the Yankees gear up for their meeting with Sasaki, fans in The Bronx are daring to dream. Could this be the final piece of the puzzle? If so, Yankee Stadium may soon become the home of another international superstar, one with the talent to etch his name alongside the franchise’s legends.
The countdown to January 1 has begun, and the baseball world is watching.
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