"We haven't been invited" - Phillies boss makes feelings known on trying to sign Roki Sasaki ahead of 2025 MLB season
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski recently made his feelings clear regarding the team's pursuit of Roki Sasaki. After the Phillies' successful signing of Max Kepler, Dombrowski addressed the concerns regarding the Phillies' efforts to engage in talks with the Japanese pitching sensation. These concerns show a growing sense of urgency as the start of the 2025 MLB season approaches.
Sasaki, a popular 23-year-old right-handed pitcher, has become one of the most wanted free agents in the league. He is known for his impressive fastball which can reach up to 102.5 mph and his devastating splitter.
However, despite the Phillies' interest in Sasaki, Dombrowski's remarks suggest that his team has yet to secure an opportunity to make a pitch.
On Friday, MLB reporter Paul Casella took to X and reported about the Phillies president's comments on the anticipated signing of Sasaki.
Dave Dombrowski says Phillies are likely done with "impactful" signings. On Roki Sasaki:
"We have not been invited to talk to him at this point. We sent in our original info, they know we would very much like to have a presentation, but we haven't been invited to the table," Casella tweeted.
It would be worth noting how the Phillies will move to sign Sasaki, as they reportedly missed out on landing LA Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who signed a $325 million deal. The Phillies will aim to bounce back from that missed chance last year.
Other teams in line for Roki Sasaki's signature and his performance in the Nippon Professional Baseball
Roki Sasaki has been officially posted for MLB teams to negotiate with. Interested clubs can sign him until Jan. 23, as the international signing period for 2025 begins on Jan. 15.
According to SNY, the top contenders to sign him are the New York Mets, New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. The Dodgers are also in the Sasaki sweepstakes, but signing him is unlikely.
Sasaki has established himself as a quality player in Nippon Professional Baseball, which is the biggest baseball league in Japan. He played for the Chiba Lotte Marines for four seasons and had an ERA of 2.10 with 505 strikeouts in 394.2 innings.
All eyes will be on Sasaki in the days to come, as teams will do their best to sign him. It's unknown who will secure his signature, but whichever team lands him will get a massive boost in their pitching lineup.