Roki Sasaki, the Japanese pitching sensation, is generating significant buzz as he considers his next move to Major League Baseball (MLB). While several teams, including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers, have reportedly expressed interest, some insiders speculate that Sasaki might be employing a strategic approach similar to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s recent negotiations. Could he be using the Yankees and Mets as global branding tools and bargaining chips to drive his deal with the Dodgers?

Though the MLB restricts any explicit or implied financial incentives beyond the bonus pool or any understanding enticing with a future deal, the pitcher can add substantially to his global branding, good opportunities, or seek a more favorite ecosystem for his development with such a bargain.

The Yankees and Mets factor

Yankees’ interest

The Yankees have been vocal about their desire to bolster their rotation after signing Max Fried this offseason. Adding Sasaki would give them a unique arm to complement their rotation, and his combination of velocity and command aligns with the team’s long-term pitching philosophy. Moreover, the Yankees have a history of pursuing top Japanese talent, from Hideki Matsui to Masahiro Tanaka, making Sasaki a logical target.

Aaron Boone on Roki Sasaki: "I think there's no better place to do it than in New York with the pinstripes. I think we have a lot to offer him in not only his development, but I think it's clear we're talking about a potentially dominant major league starting pitcher." pic.twitter.com/JJM3wWItGE

— Rod (@theyankscenter) December 10, 2024

tainanjosh@instagram

Mets’ ambitions

The Mets, under owner Steve Cohen, are equally determined to add a generational talent like Sasaki. Their financial resources and willingness to offer substantial contracts make them formidable players in the international market. The addition of Juan Soto and their push for global branding could make Sasaki an ideal piece to further their goals.

SOURCE: On his recent trip to Japan, David Stearns brought the Rizzler along with him in order to persuade pitching phenom Roki Sasaki to join the #Mets. pic.twitter.com/X8yB5UZrNa

— Mets Legends (@MetsLegends) November 9, 2024

The Dodgers: Sasaki’s true destination?

However, many analysts believe that Sasaki’s ultimate destination might already be decided—the Los Angeles Dodgers. Several factors suggest that the Dodgers could be his preferred choice:

First, the connection with Japanese players. The Dodgers have historically maintained strong ties with Japanese stars, from Hideo Nomo to Kenta Maeda. Now they have two bigwigs Ohtani and Yamamoto on their roster. This connection could make Sasaki feel more comfortable transitioning to MLB.

Next comes the lure of winning culture. The Dodgers’ consistent playoff presence and the 2024 World Series win present them as an attractive destination for any player seeking success.

Also, Los Angeles offers a large Japanese-American community and a market ripe for Sasaki’s brand expansion, something that may weigh heavily in his decision.

A strategic negotiation tactic?

Some speculate that Sasaki’s camp might be using the Yankees and Mets as leverage to drive up the price or incentives in negotiations with the Dodgers. This wouldn’t be the first time a Japanese player has employed such tactics. For instance, Shohei Ohtani’s strategy. While several teams were in the mix during his initial signing process, Ohtani’s camp strategically kept interest from multiple teams alive before ultimately choosing the Angels.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto followed the same plan. Reports suggest Yamamoto leveraged interest from big-market teams like the Yankees to secure a lucrative deal with his preferred destination.

By keeping the Yankees and Mets in play, Sasaki’s team could be signaling to the Dodgers that competition for his services is fierce, forcing them to make a more compelling offer.

MLB insider @JonHeyman says that he’s heard the Padres and Dodgers are the “clear and heavy favorites” to land Roki Sasaki. pic.twitter.com/VIp2kY2i3X

— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) December 9, 2024

What’s in it for Sasaki?

For Sasaki, this strategy has several advantages. It can maximize contract value. Negotiating with multiple big-market teams ensures he secures the most lucrative contract possible. By creating leverage, the Japanese star can dictate terms that align with his career aspirations, such as guaranteed starts, flexibility, or financial incentives.
Kyodo News/AP
It also adds to his global branding opportunities. Interest from major markets like New York and Los Angeles allows Sasaki to position himself as a global star, increasing his appeal to sponsors and fans.

While it’s impossible to know for certain whether Roki Sasaki is playing a “Yamamoto script,” the interest from the Yankees and Mets undoubtedly adds intrigue to his free agency journey. Whether he ultimately chooses the Dodgers or another team, his arrival in MLB promises to be one of the most anticipated events in recent baseball history.

For now, the speculation surrounding his next move keeps fans and analysts eagerly awaiting his decision. If the Dodgers are indeed his destination, leveraging the Yankees and Mets could be the perfect strategy to secure his ideal deal.

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