CONFIRMED: Roki Sasaki is heading to the NYY. Yankees GM Brian Cashman confirmed the news following a private meeting with the 23-year-old Japanese pitching sensation.

Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese pitching phenom, is seeking an MLB opportunity through the posting system. Although he won’t be eligible to sign until the 2025 international amateur signing period begins on January 15, 2025, Sasaki is actively meeting with MLB teams during his negotiating window, which runs until January 23. If no deal is reached by then, he will return to play for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball for the 2025 season.

On December 18, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that the team has an in-person meeting scheduled with Sasaki, though the exact timing remains unclear. Cashman praised Sasaki’s potential, calling him a candidate to become one of the best pitchers globally and expressing his hope that Yankee Stadium could become his future home. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, announced that discussions with interested teams, including the Yankees, would begin around this time and continue into the new year.

Sasaki’s decision is highly anticipated, as he is regarded as one of the most sought-after young pitchers in recent memory. Though the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are considered strong contenders due to their established ties to Japanese players, the Yankees are actively working to make their pitch as well.

In the past, the Padres have built significant relationships with the Japanese market, thanks to players like Yu Darvish, Yuki Matsui, and Ha-Seong Kim, as well as their bilingual general manager, A.J. Preller. Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed confidence in the team’s chances to land Sasaki, emphasizing the organization’s strong international presence. The Padres are also expected to put considerable effort into recruiting Sasaki, with many industry insiders believing they are in a favorable position.

While the Padres and Dodgers are seen as the top competitors, other MLB teams, including the Yankees, will also be making their case. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, emphasized that the process of meeting with teams would ramp up following the holidays, and Sasaki’s decision will have a significant impact on the international baseball landscape.