Report: Dodgers have in-person meeting with Sasaki
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the busiest teams in free agency this winter, and it looks like they're prioritizing another free-agent star to beef up their roster.
Los Angeles recently held an in-person meeting with Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
The reigning World Series champions represent the sixth team to meet with the 23-year-old, joining the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers, Plunkett adds.
At the winter meetings, Sasaki's agent Joel Wolfe said 20 teams had contacted him about his client, who is expected to reduce the number of teams he's interested in and hold a second round of meetings in 2025.
The Dodgers have long been considered a favorite to land Sasaki, who could join fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in L.A.
Sasaki authored a 2.10 ERA and 11.5 K/9 in 64 appearances for the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japan Pacific League between 2021 and 2024 before deciding he wanted to pitch in MLB.
The right-hander cannot sign until the international signing period begins on Jan. 15. His posting window closes on Jan. 24.