Roki Sasaki Trade: Steve Cohen Stuns Rivals As Mets Move Closer To Deal For Japanese Star

Roki Sasaki is all set to enter the big leagues after the Chiba Lotte Mariners decided to part ways. He is expected to be the next Yu Darvish or Yoshinobu Yamamoto. MLB fans are hyped for Sasaki to step on the mound and eagerly await finding out which team will strike a deal with the pitcher.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were reported to be in on Sasaki, but several top suitors are ready to bid. Many believe Sasaki will pick the San Diego Padres over any other team. It turns out that Darvish has been a huge inspiration for Sasaki. The young pitcher would love to be on the same team as his role model.

However, Steven Cohen and his Mets squad have surprised opponents by taking the first step. Cohen met with Roki Sasaki, and the Mets seem to be eyeing the talented pitcher. The Mets have acquired top players, their biggest being Juan Soto. Getting ahold of Sasaki will certainly bolster their pitching unit.

The Mets Met today with free agent pitcher Roki Sasaki, league sources say.

— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 19, 2024

New York Mets Expected To Outbid The Yankees For Roki Sasaki

The Mets have been a huge hurdle for the New York Yankees this offseason. Cohen won the Soto sweepstakes and is now trying to steal Sasaki right after the Yanks are about to meet him. The Mets are acting fast to stay ahead of the competition.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman stated that he was ready to meet the future MLB star. Yet, their crosstown rival took the first step in meeting Sasaki. Several experts predict that the Mets would outbid the Yankees for Roki Sasaki.

The Yankees have added several players to their lineup, including Sasaki, who would be an added advantage. However, it clearly depends on where Sasaki wants to join. Due to his age, MLB teams can only sign him with international pool money. Several teams will go all out for Sasaki. However, the star pitcher will have an in-person meeting only with teams with which he is interested in signing.

The Yankees and the Mets have a chance to sign the pitcher. After signing several players to their squads, the Yankees have been the most active team. Their latest addition, Cody Bellinger, has Yankees fans hyped for the next season.