Roki Sasaki’s free agency will forever be linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a brief moment where the Toronto Blue Jays seemed to be in the mix. The Blue Jays made a puzzling trade to acquire Myles Straw from the Cleveland Guardians, a move that only made sense if it was part of a plan to lure Sasaki with increased bonus money.
However, Sasaki ultimately chose the Dodgers, leaving many wondering about Toronto’s strategy. The Athletic revealed that the Blue Jays made the trade without Sasaki’s approval, hoping to show their commitment to landing him. This unconventional approach raised eyebrows among rival executives.
In contrast, the Dodgers and San Diego Padres had deals ready but only finalized them after securing Sasaki’s commitment. The Dodgers went the extra mile, making additional trades to bolster their bonus pool and impressing Sasaki with a star-studded meeting.
Toronto’s move to acquire Straw for the sake of Sasaki was seen as a costly gambit, reminiscent of past misses on top free agents. While Straw may still contribute in 2025, his arrival in Toronto was overshadowed by the pursuit of Sasaki.
The Dodgers’ thorough and personalized approach to wooing Sasaki highlighted their unique position in the baseball landscape. From the star-studded meeting to the private dinner, the Dodgers left no stone unturned in their quest to secure Sasaki’s signature.