The Roki Sasaki rumors department is never disappointing.
Each day, a new update appears, usually involving a mystery team having met with him or gaining ground, or a specific organization bowing out of the race.
The Cleveland Guardians, like just about every other baseball club in MLB, want Sasaki.
He has the potential to be a generational talent, boasting a 100 mph fastball and multiple secondary offering capable of missing bats consistently.
It appears, however, that the Guards won’t be signing the Japanese star.
Nothing has been written in stone just yet, but Cleveland is preparing to go ahead with its international free agent contingent.
Other teams, like the Los Angeles Dodgers or the San Diego Padres, have put their international signings on hold as they awair for Sasaki’s decision.
“The Cleveland #Guardians are not putting their international signings on hold as most of them have already arrived at the organization’s Dominican Academy for their signing ceremony next week. This most likely indicates the team will not be in the running for Sasaki,” Guardians Prospective wrote on X.
The Cleveland #Guardians are not putting their international signings on hold as most of them have already arrived at the organizations Dominican Academy for their signing ceremony next week. This most likely Indicates the team will not be in the running for Sasaki. https://t.co/FKqRYCoH6X
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 8, 2025
So far the Dodgers and Padres are the only organizations putting their signings on hold, a strong indication that they are the favorites to get Sasaki on a cheap rookie deal.
Other teams might join them, though.
The New York Yankees, for example, think they have as good a chance as anybody.
The silver lining for the Guardians is that they will be able to destine their entire budget to their previously acquired commitments without changing their plans and risking an uncomfortable situation.
They have agreed to multiple deals with Latin American prospects, and that’s a good thing.
NEXT: Guardians No. 1 Pick Makes Exciting Offseason Stop
