Roki Sasaki of Team Japan pitches in the top of the first inning during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Semifinals between Mexico and Japan at loanDepot park (Source: Getty)
The San Diego Padres are in the running for Roki Sasaki and one analyst believes that signing the Japanese ace could change their entire offseason. The 23-year-old flamethrower is the latest talent posted in the MLB market from the NPB and has attracted interest from several teams.
Host of the "Jon and Jim" podcast, Jim Russell believes that signing Sasaki should be a priority for the Padres front office this year (5:30 onwards):
"The entire offseason could flip on its head, if they land Roki... You're going forward and you have a long-term vision. You don't land Roki, it's like, now what? Because your rotation after this season is nothing.
