Mets confirm interest in Roki Sasaki to bolster squad after $765 million Juan Soto acquisition
The New York Mets reportedly became the first team to establish in-person contact with Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki who is posted to the MLB. Several teams are interested in acquiring the pitcher, who will have a small signing period next month to choose his destination.
As Roki Sasaki is less than 25 years of age, he cannot sign a professional contract. He has to be signed through the international bonus pool, which is a separate pool given to teams with a specific amount to sign young international talent each year.
The next international bonus pool signing starts on the 15th of January, and as Sasaki was posted earlier this month on the 10th of December, he will be 45 days from the day of posting to be signed by another club. This means he will have to get a new team by the 23rd of January.
That means it is only understandable that the starter has already started meeting the clubs where he has a mild or strong interest. As per reports, Sasaki and his team had asked for all clubs to provide their presentation via video. The ones who would make the shortlist, Sasaki would host them for an in-person meeting.
The New York Mets are the first team to do so. As per SNY, the Mets met the NPB star on Thursday. Fresh off signing Juan Soto for a massive $765 million, 15-year contract, the Mets are now looking to bolster their pitching staff that needs a rebuild of its own.
Getting Sasaki for two years before he turns 25, could help them negotiate pre-hand about possible long-term contract negotiations.
Mets' David Stearns confirmed team wants to sign Roki Sasaki
At last week's MLB's Winter Meetings, Mets' president of baseball operations David Stearns stated that while the free agency of Roki Saski is a challenge for all teams looking to sign him, the Mets will give their all.
“We’re going to give it our best shot,” Stearns had said. “It’s very difficult in these processes to truly understand what a player’s preference is. This isn’t a normal free-agent recruitment process.”
If Steve Cohen wants to give his best then he can land any star on his team. But for now the Mets can wait as Sasaki meets up with other teams. The New York Yankees are also confirmed to have set up an in-person meeting.
While the New York clubs have potential, they are still being considered as underdogs to clubs like Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres in signing Sasaki.