The international signing period is just around the corner, and the excitement surrounding Roki Sasaki is reaching a fever pitch. This young Japanese pitching sensation is the hottest name on the market, and every team in the league is lining up to try and secure his signature. But amidst all the buzz, one team seems to be emerging as the frontrunner: the San Diego Padres.
Let’s break down why San Diego might be the perfect landing spot for Sasaki. First off, they’ve been all-in on him from the start. Padres manager Mike Shildt hasn’t been shy about their intentions, stating publicly that they expect to be serious contenders for Sasaki’s services. They’ve got a secret weapon in their ranks: Yu Darvish. Not only do Darvish and Sasaki share a friendship, but they also have the same representation. This connection could be a major factor in Sasaki’s decision.
And let’s not forget about the Padres’ president of baseball operations, A.J. Preller. This guy knows a thing or two about signing Japanese stars. He was with the Texas Rangers when they signed Darvish back in 2012, and he’s shown a real commitment to building relationships with Japanese players. Remember when he reportedly learned some Japanese to connect with Shohei Ohtani in 2017? That’s the kind of dedication that could make a difference.
However, there’s one potential snag in this whole scenario: the Padres’ “little brother” relationship with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers have been a dominant force in the National League West for years, and the Padres have often found themselves playing second fiddle. Could this dynamic influence Sasaki’s decision? Only time will tell.
But one thing’s for sure: the race to sign Roki Sasaki is going to be a thrilling one. And with the Padres seemingly in the driver’s seat, things are about to get very interesting in San Diego.
