The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly in the running for the services of a Japanese pitcher.
ESPN's Major League Baseball insider Jeff Passan reported on Monday via X that the Blue Jays are one of three teams believed to be in the running to sign Roki Sasaki, who has become the most-sought-after hurler in this round of free agency.
Sasaki, 23, who pitches for the Chiba Lotte Marines of the NPB's Pacific League, was posted to Major League Baseball in November 2024. The international free agency period for MLB begins on Wednesday, and Sasaki's posting window closes on January 23, according to ESPN.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are the other two teams on the shortlist, reported Passan.
Sasaki's situation is unique because he was posted to MLB before his 25th birthday. He is limited to a minor-league contract with a signing bonus worth a maximum of $7.5-million, coming from the team's international signing budget. This made Sasaki attractive to teams with poorer records and smaller payrolls.
Sasaki pitched a perfect game in April 2022, striking out 13 batters in a row. In his very next start, he pitched eight perfect innings and struck out another 14.
He pitched for the Japanese national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, helping Japan win the tournament.