The Yankees’ pursuit of Roki Sasaki felt doomed from the start. While the Japanese phenom was technically on the market for any MLB team to sign, the reality is that Sasaki’s free agency was always going to come down to two teams: the Dodgers and the Padres. Despite a lengthy process that teased some level of openness, Sasaki’s camp seemed to have their sights set on the West Coast all along.
For the Yankees, it was less a recruitment battle and more a showpiece exercise—going through the motions for a player they likely knew wasn’t heading to the Bronx.
Dodgers Poised to Land Another Star
As if the Dodgers needed another high-profile addition, they appear to have landed Sasaki, adding yet another weapon to a team that thrives on scooping up top-tier international talent. The Dodgers have long been a preferred destination for Japanese stars due to their proximity to the Pacific Rim, their storied history, and their consistent success. Sasaki, one of the most hyped Japanese pitchers in recent years, fits right into that legacy.
The Yankees, on the other hand, were left watching from the sidelines. Despite their historic prestige and deep pockets, they couldn’t overcome the natural advantages the Dodgers and Padres offered, and it became clear early on that the East Coast was a long shot.
A Process That Felt Off from the Start
For Yankees fans, the entire Sasaki sweepstakes felt like a charade. While teams like New York went through the motions, the writing was on the wall. Sasaki’s decision-making process seemed heavily tilted toward staying on the West Coast. The Yankees weren’t just battling two powerhouse franchises—they were battling geography, history, and preference.
The drawn-out nature of the process only added to the sting. It’s one thing to miss out on a player after a fair fight, but this wasn’t that. The Yankees put together a strong proposal, but they were never really in the running.
Once Again, the Dodgers Prevail
The Dodgers’ ability to attract elite talent remains unparalleled, particularly when it comes to international players. From Shohei Ohtani to Yoshinobu Yamamoto and now potentially Sasaki, they’ve built a reputation as a landing spot for top Japanese stars. It’s frustrating for other teams like the Yankees, who have the resources but not the circumstances to close these deals.
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Sasaki’s likely decision to join Los Angeles highlights the recurring imbalance in these situations. For all the Yankees’ might, some battles are simply unwinnable. They never had a real shot, and as a result, another generational talent will be plying his trade on the other side of the country.