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Blue Jays Boost Bonus Pool in Roki Sasaki Chase

1/18/2025

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Summary

Blue Jays Pursue Sasaki

The Toronto Blue Jays are locked in a thrilling battle with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the coveted Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. With the San Diego Padres out of the running, Sasaki has focused on these two teams. The Blue Jays have sweetened the deal by boosting their international bonus pool to around $8.26 million, intensifying the competition.

Summary

Sasaki Seeks Bonus

Sasaki, just 23, is navigating the world of international amateur rules, limiting his salary to the league's minimum. However, he has the chance to snag a signing bonus from the club's bonus pool. This scenario echoes Shohei Ohtani's 2017 deal with the Angels, yet stands in stark contrast to Yoshinobu Yamamoto's lucrative contract with the Dodgers last year.

History

Historical Context

Roki Sasaki's pursuit by the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers recalls the 2017 signing of Shohei Ohtani, who also navigated international rules. Sasaki's situation highlights the evolving landscape of MLB's international recruitment, following significant contracts like Yoshinobu Yamamoto's with the Dodgers in 2022.

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Blue Jays Pursue Sasaki

The Toronto Blue Jays are locked in a thrilling battle with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the coveted Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. With the San Diego Padres out of the running, Sasaki has focused on these two teams. The Blue Jays have sweetened the deal by boosting their international bonus pool to around $8.26 million, intensifying the competition.

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