The Texas Rangers have a fully-stocked cupboard of starting pitchers.
But what’s the saying? One can never have enough starting pitching?
Multiple reports deem it unlikely Sasaki will sign immediately.
Rosenthal said that every team was interested in him, but approximately 10 were waved off.
🎙️ @Ken_Rosenthal with the latest on Roki Sasaki:
"The Dodgers, the Mets, the Yankees, the Padres, the Rangers… those are the obvious front-runners." pic.twitter.com/nDgnBZWYlt
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 3, 2025
The Rangers are among at least five teams seen as front-runners, along with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets, the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres.
This is not a situation where the Rangers can necessarily be out-bid.
Due to his age (under 25) and his limited professional experience (less than six years), he’s subject to international signing bonus rules.
That means he’ll only receive up to $7.5 million in international bonus money.
Since he’s seen as a pitcher who is Major League ready, he would also make the MLB minimum for a first-year player, should he make the team.
That is part of what intrigues teams like the Rangers.
Sasaki has cost control and whatever team he signs with will have control of his rights. Plus, he has a 100-mph fastball and an array of pitches.
But, Texas has a history of landing Japanese free agents, most notably pitcher Yu Darvish.
