What if Ohtani comes forward? I'm also close to Darvish, but Sasaki's worries with a wide range of options...In the end, this is what determines
Nov 13, 2024
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At that time, the Dodgers were not the only club that expressed 'sincere' to Yamamoto. The New York Yankees, the New York Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies, the San Francisco Giants, and the Boston Red Sox also offered unprecedented conditions as much as the Dodgers. The Yankees made a 10-year, $300 million offer, and the Mets made a 12-year, $325 million offer, the same as the Dodgers. The Dodgers granted 6-8 years after signing as the timing of the opt-out event, allowing the Yankees and Mets to become FA after completing five seasons.
In the case of Philadelphia, as owner John Middleton said in a FOX Sports interview earlier this year, he offered better conditions than the Dodgers. Middleton really wanted Yamamoto. We met and talked in person twice. We wanted it so much that we didn't take into account the financial condition of our club."
In addition, according to CBS Sports, San Francisco and Boston also bet a total of more than $300 million. In other words, at least six teams, including the Dodgers, competed fiercely, and Yamamoto chose the Dodgers.
There are two main reasons. Yamamoto is said to have been a fan of the Dodgers since he was a child. In this section, it is highly likely that the Dodgers were considered first. When it comes to a similar level of offer, you will have no choice but to choose your favorite team. Another one might be Ohtani.
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The Dodgers are operating their radar on a Japanese pitcher this winter as well. It's right-hand fireballer Roki Sasaki. Sasaki recently won approval from Chiba Lotte Marines for its overseas expansion. Overseas league players under the age of 25 must sign a minor league contract as an international amateur FA. The Cyning Bonus must also be used within the international Cyning Bonus pool granted to each club. In other words, Sasaki will not choose a club based on the money.
If so, eventually the club itself will be evaluated. In response, local media The Athletic reported that `Sasaki will look at the living environment, the stability of the club, and the player development system.' It is also important to see who is on the Major League roster.
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Sasaki is also known to have a close relationship with San Diego Japanese ace Darvish Yu at the WBC last year. There is an analysis that San Diego could have an advantage. San Diego has far more opportunities to take the mound as a starter than the Dodgers with a thick depth. In other words, the Dodgers are 'No' If you want to, you can exclude Sasaki from the rotation, but San Diego has a much smaller risk of doing so.
In addition, the Mets, Yankees, and Chicago Cubs also sent scouts to Japan throughout this season to closely monitor Sasaki's pitching. An AL official said, `I think the Mets are the most likely of the teams in the East" he said.
In this situation, it remains to be seen whether Ohtani will roll up his sleeves during Sasaki's posting tour.
jhno@sportschosun.com
