Dodgers Rumors: Rōki Sasaki Contract Considered 'a Fait Accompli' amid Padres Buzz

Multiple opposing teams view the Los Angeles Dodgers as the future destination for Japanese starting pitcher Rōki Sasaki once he enters free agency, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

"The Dodgers have been the heavy favorites to land Sasaki for the past year, where teams are convinced it's almost a fait accompli," Nightengale wrote on Monday.

Los Angeles added two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani as a free agent following the 2023 season and signed coveted starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a $325 million contract. They both have ties to Sasaki, as all three players were on the same roster during Japan's victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

The San Diego Padres are reportedly still "quietly confident" that the team has a "realistic shot" at Sasaki due to his relationship with veteran starter Yu Darvish. Darvish was also a member of the 2023 WBC team.

Sasaki wrapped up another impressive season with Nippon Professional Baseball's Chiba Lotte Marines in 2024, finishing with a 10-5 record to go along with a 2.35 ERA in 18 games. He also struck out 129 batters in 111 innings of work.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred revealed that he expects Sasaki to be part of the 2025 international signing class, meaning that he'll be posted after Dec. 2 and will not sign with a team before Jan. 15.

The Dodgers seem to be heavy favorites to land him once he's available, though.