Roki Sasaki's Dodgers' Dilemma - Asian Baseballers

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Monday, November 25, 2024

Roki Sasaki's Dodgers' Dilemma

 

 

Roki Sasaki throwing for the Chiba Lotte Marines






The Dodgers have made it no secret that they are pursuing Chiba Lotte Marines’ flamethrower, Roki Sasaki. Still, recent accusations of a handshake deal put the Dodgers in a unique dilemma. Joel Wolfe, Roki’s agent, vehemently denied such an agreement had ever occurred and that such an accusation was just poor sportsmanship. The issue ballooned when Ron Manfred, MLB commissioner, was asked about the issue.

 

 

Was there or was there not a handshake agreement? Joel Wolfe is a professional who values his clients. It is very difficult to believe that he would engage in such tactics. He is the high-profile agent of Yu Darvish, Giancarlo Stanton, Trevor Story, and Nolan Arenado and has an estimated 25 total clients. To have such accusations handed to him is a low blow to his integrity.What it comes down to is what Roki himself wants. He can advise Roki to go here, there, or anywhere, but in the end, it comes down to what Roki wants. If Roki wants to play with Shohei and Yoshi, that’s his decision. If he wants to play with his mentor in San Diego, that’s his decision. If he wants to play with the Yankees, the team where his boyhood idol played, that’s his decision to make. He’s a grownup who decided to enter free agency earlier to make the jump on his own. Roki can decide on his own what he wants, and no one can tell him otherwise. 




Actually, it may even be possible that Roki is leaning towards a certain team already. Most of the time, a player already has a preferred team he wants to play for. Who wouldn’t want to play for the Dodgers? Who wouldn’t want to play for the Yankees? Or the Phillies? Or the Mets? Or the Cubs? These are all storied franchises.

 

 

This rumor, which is unfounded, puts the Dodgers in a unique dilemma. Since the rumor circulated and if he does actually sign with them, there will always be that notion stuck in people’s minds that indeed there was a handshake agreement even when there wasn't; therefore, it may be a stigma Roki wants to avoid altogether. This could believe it or not, probably influence the overall decision Roki makes.




There are plenty of reasons to pick the Dodgers, but then there are also plenty of reasons a young man like him would want to pick the Yankees, the Padres, or even the Guardians.

 


The Chiba Lotte Marines will not post him until January 15th, the day the international pool resets. Since that is where Roki will get his salary and practically all 30 teams can afford him, it’s all fair game. All the world awaits is what uniform he will be wearing in 2025.

 

 

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