While we’ve seen significant free agent acquisitions like Juan Soto, Willy Adames, Blake Snell, and Max Fried, there are still many prominent players left on the market.

Is your team searching for a pitcher? Corbin Burnes could be the solution.

Need a powerful hitter? Consider Anthony Santander or Pete Alonso.

Looking for a dependable infielder? Alex Bregman is available.

What about left-handed bullpen options? Tanner Scott might fit the bill.

No matter your team’s requirements, a potential game-changing player is ready to be signed. However, the most intriguing free agent still on the board is someone who hasn’t played in the MLB yet.

Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is the latest sensation from Nippon Professional Baseball looking to make the leap to Major League Baseball. Given the success stories of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shota Imanaga, it’s understandable why many teams are eager to secure this talent. Importantly, Sasaki has expressed interest in playing for smaller market teams, thereby widening the pool of potential suitors significantly.

Here’s the latest on Roki Sasaki’s free agency.

Yankees Meeting with Sasaki “Soon”

According to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, a meeting with Sasaki is set to happen “soon.” While no specific date was provided, Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, indicated interest in starting discussions the week surrounding the holidays, so we can anticipate this could take place shortly.

Dodgers and Padres Likely to Sign Sasaki?

MLB’s Jonathan Mayo notes that either the Dodgers or Padres are strong contenders for Sasaki’s services, despite the Dodgers having one of the smallest international signing budgets.

While all 30 MLB teams could put their hat in the ring, Sasaki is limited to an earning of $7.5 million this year, which could influence dynamics. The Dodgers have a history of acquiring top talent to enhance their winning chances and have two of Sasaki’s World Baseball Classic teammates on their roster.

Reportedly, MLB is surveying general managers for their insights, with the Dodgers receiving 11 out of 20 votes for Sasaki’s likely destination.

The Padres garnered seven votes as well. Many of the GMs believe Sasaki’s ties to Yu Darvish and Hideo Nomo’s role as a special assistant within the organization may play a significant role in his decision-making process.

Mets Have Met with Sasaki

SNY’s Andy Martino has reported that the Mets met with Sasaki on Thursday, December 19.

Details of the meeting haven’t been disclosed, so there’s uncertainty regarding how productive it was. However, given the Mets’ aggressiveness in signing top talent, they might have persuaded Sasaki that he could receive a lucrative deal if he joins their roster.

Considering the Mets recently signed Juan Soto to a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract, having Sasaki would be beneficial for them as they strive for a World Series title again.

The Mets are also in dire need of reliable pitching, with Kodai Senga coming off a season plagued by injuries, and other pitchers on the roster lacking consistency. Sasaki would undoubtedly add significant strength to their pitching line-up.

Are the Mariners in the Mix?

Jonathan Mayo from MLB.com suggests that the Mariners should be considered in the pursuit of Sasaki. Although the Mariners have not made any major moves this offseason and primarily need batting help, their successful history with Japanese players could make them an appealing option for Sasaki.

A pitching rotation featuring Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Sasaki could be a formidable lineup, still leaving them with funds to sign a high-profile hitter.

Mayo adds that the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox could also attract Sasaki based on their past experiences with Japanese players. The Cubs currently have Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, while the Red Sox have welcomed successful pitchers like Daisuke Matsuzaka, Koji Uehara, and Junichi Tazawa in the past.