Roki Sasaki rumors | Do the Yankees and Mets still stand a chance as the decision draws closer?

As the MLB offseason progresses, one of the most intriguing storylines continues to be the future of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. After a stellar performance in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Sasaki has drawn interest from several major league teams, and the rumors surrounding his potential move to the United States have only intensified. Among the many teams hoping to secure his services are two of the most prominent franchises in Major League Baseball: the New York Yankees and the New York Mets.

With both teams consistently making headlines as potential suitors, the question on the minds of baseball fans is whether either the Yankees or Mets truly stand a chance at landing Sasaki as his decision draws closer. Will the allure of New York and the financial muscle of these two storied organizations be enough to sway the 22-year-old prodigy, or will other factors—including team success, roster construction, and personal preference—play a bigger role?

In this article, we’ll explore the rumors surrounding Roki Sasaki, analyze the potential of the Yankees and Mets to secure his services, and discuss what factors might ultimately determine where he plays in 2025 and beyond.

Who is Roki Sasaki?

Before diving into the Yankees and Mets’ pursuit of Sasaki, it’s important to understand just how special this young pitcher is. Sasaki, a 22-year-old right-hander, has been hailed as one of the most promising pitching prospects in the world. After debuting in the NPB with the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2020, he quickly garnered attention with his electric stuff, including a fastball that regularly hits triple digits and a devastating splitter that has befuddled Japanese batters for years.

Perhaps Sasaki’s most impressive feat came in 2022, when he threw a perfect game—a rare and nearly impossible achievement. In that outing, Sasaki struck out 19 batters, showcasing his otherworldly command and strikeout ability. He finished the season with an impressive 2.02 ERA and 173 strikeouts in 144 innings. His combination of velocity, control, and poise on the mound has led to comparisons with some of the most successful pitchers in the history of the game, including a young Shohei Ohtani.

Given his age, skill set, and potential, Sasaki has the ability to be an immediate star in Major League Baseball. With the growing trend of international players successfully transitioning to MLB, the interest in Sasaki has been overwhelming. It’s not just the Yankees and Mets that are in the mix; other teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Seattle Mariners, are also rumored to be making a play for him.

The Yankees’ Interest in Roki Sasaki

The New York Yankees have long been one of the most successful and powerful franchises in Major League Baseball, but in recent years, they’ve faced challenges in getting over the hump and securing another World Series title. The Yankees have invested heavily in their roster, with big-name players like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gerrit Cole, but they’ve struggled to capture the elusive championship in the modern era.

That said, the Yankees are always in the hunt for the best talent available, and the possibility of adding a generational talent like Sasaki has only fueled rumors of their interest. The Yankees’ front office, led by general manager Brian Cashman, is known for making bold moves when it comes to acquiring top-tier players. Sasaki would be a perfect fit for a team that already boasts one of the most potent lineups in baseball, but where starting pitching depth remains a concern.

The Yankees’ rotation has been anchored by ace Gerrit Cole, but behind him, the staff has lacked consistency, particularly in the postseason. While the team has had solid performances from pitchers like Nestor Cortes and Luis Severino, the addition of Sasaki would provide an instant upgrade to the rotation. His ability to immediately step in as a frontline starter would be a huge boost to a team that has postseason aspirations every year.

From a financial perspective, the Yankees have the resources to make a strong push for Sasaki. As one of the wealthiest franchises in MLB, they can offer Sasaki a lucrative contract that competes with any other team in the league. But money alone won’t be enough to sway Sasaki—other factors, like the team’s ability to contend for championships and the overall fit within the organization, will play a role in his decision.

The Mets’ Pursuit of Roki Sasaki

On the other side of New York, the Mets have also emerged as a potential suitor for Sasaki. Under the ownership of billionaire Steve Cohen, the Mets have spent heavily in recent years to assemble a competitive roster, making them a serious player in the pursuit of top-tier talent. The team has already signed high-profile players like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander to anchor their rotation, but adding a young, dynamic arm like Sasaki would add another layer of intrigue to their roster.

The Mets’ pitching staff, while strong, has been aging, with Scherzer and Verlander both in their late 30s. While both pitchers are future Hall of Famers, the Mets know that the future of their rotation must be built around younger arms. Sasaki represents that next wave—a young, dominant force that could form the cornerstone of the Mets’ pitching staff for the next decade.

Additionally, the Mets have shown an ability to spend and take calculated risks in the international market. The team’s willingness to invest in high-end talent, regardless of age, fits with the idea of making a big play for Sasaki. Steve Cohen’s deep pockets and commitment to building a championship contender give the Mets a distinct advantage when it comes to securing top players, and the idea of bringing Sasaki to New York could appeal to both sides.

While the Mets might not have the same storied history and cultural impact as the Yankees, they have become a serious force in the city and have the financial backing to compete with any other team in MLB. If the Mets can continue to build their roster around young, talented players like Sasaki, they could position themselves as one of the most dominant teams in baseball for years to come.

What Factors Will Influence Sasaki’s Decision?

While both the Yankees and Mets are in the hunt for Sasaki, there are several factors that will likely influence his decision. Sasaki’s transition to Major League Baseball will not be just about financial compensation—it will also depend on the team’s overall fit, the potential for success, and the long-term direction of the organization.

1. Team Success and Contending Window: Sasaki is coming off a highly successful career in Japan, and his next step will likely be driven by the desire to play for a team that contends for championships. The Yankees, with their established success and playoff pedigree, will be an attractive option, but the Mets, with their growing roster of stars, could also present a compelling case. Sasaki will want to play for a team with a clear path to competing for titles.
2. Starting Rotation and Opportunity: Sasaki will want to join a team where he can play a significant role. The Yankees and Mets both have strong rotations, but the Mets might offer Sasaki a quicker path to being a true ace, given the age of some of their key pitchers. The Yankees could offer a more immediate chance to pitch in high-leverage situations, especially in the postseason, but he may have to fight for a more defined role in the rotation.
3. Cultural Fit and Personal Preferences: While money and team success are important factors, Sasaki’s personal preferences and cultural fit will also play a role. Moving from Japan to the United States is a significant transition, and the team’s environment, the ability to connect with teammates, and the overall culture of the organization will all be important considerations for Sasaki as he decides where to sign.
4. Financial Compensation: Of course, both the Yankees and Mets have the financial power to make an attractive offer to Sasaki. The team that is willing to give him the best combination of salary and incentives could have the edge, but Sasaki’s decision will likely not hinge entirely on money. A fair market value contract with room for growth and success is likely what will entice him most.

Do the Yankees and Mets Still Stand a Chance?

As Roki Sasaki’s decision draws closer, the Yankees and Mets still stand as two of the most prominent suitors for his services. Both teams offer competitive rosters, financial might, and the potential to compete for championships, which makes them appealing destinations for a young star like Sasaki. The Yankees’ tradition, history, and established pitching staff make them an attractive choice, while the Mets’ deep pockets and commitment to winning make them formidable competition.

Ultimately, Sasaki’s decision will come down to a combination of factors—team success, pitching opportunity, financial compensation, and personal preferences. The Yankees and Mets are both in the mix, but they will need to make a compelling case in order to secure Sasaki’s services as his decision looms closer. The coming months should provide plenty of clarity as to where one of Japan’s most exciting pitching prospects will take his talents next.