MLB Free Agency Stalls as Roki Sasaki Sweepstakes Takes Center Stage

As MLB free agency grinds to a halt over the Roki Sasaki traffic jam, the remaining available talent is lined up and ready to make forward progress as soon as the road clears.

Sasaki is a star in his native Japan with a lifetime 2.02 ERA in 414 2/3 innings for the Chiba Lotte Marines. The right-hander had 524 strikeouts with a fastball that has been clocked as high as 102 mph and averaged 96.8 mph last season after sitting at 99 mph in 2023.

Heading into his age 23 season, Sasaki is arguably more valuable to teams than right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto was when he signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason. The twist is that because he is under 25, he won’t command nearly as much on a contract while under international bonus pool financial restrictions.

Teams reported to have made an in-person pitch for Sasaki include the Dodgers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants.

And yet none of those teams have the most money available in their international bonus pools. Teams with $7.6 million in pool money available include the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays.

What those latter teams do have is top win-now potential, which puts the World Series champion Dodgers among the favorites to land Sasaki, even with more than $2 million less in international bonus pool money.

The Sasaki drama will play out for at least another two weeks since the 2025 international signing period doesn’t begin until Jan. 15.

Teams that don’t win the Sasaki sweepstakes and remain determined to fortify their starting rotation can turn their attention to the two best remaining pitchers on the open market.

Jack Flaherty had a rebound season with the Detroit Tigers and Dodgers, winning a career-best 13 games with a 3.17 ERA in a combined 28 starts with the two teams. His postseason with the Dodgers was a mixed bag, although he did turn in two strong starts, including one in the World Series. Teams that had interest in Corbin Burnes could pivot to Flaherty, including Burnes’ former club, the Baltimore Orioles.

Nick Pivetta’s 4.14 ERA with the Boston Red Sox in 2024 was his best in the five seasons when he made at least 26 starts. While the Cincinnati Reds have shown interest, Pivetta also would cost a draft pick after receiving a qualifying offer. The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly shown the most interest in the Canadian native.

MLB FREE AGENT BACKUP PLANS

Nothing improves a starting rotation’s prospects like a strong bullpen, and left-hander Tanner Scott represents the top reliever still on the market. There are no shortages of teams that are interested in Scott’s 1.75 ERA with 22 saves for the Miami Marlins and Padres last season. 

The Dodgers have known interest in Scott and have money to burn, but the strategy in Los Angeles has been to add under-the-radar, high-upside relievers that fit into the club’s pitching philosophy. Teams connected to Scott include the Cubs, Braves, Yankees, Rangers and Blue Jays.

MLB FREE AGENT BIG SWINGS

While free agency bloomed in December, a number of offensive options remain, including third baseman Alex Bregman, who is set to depart from the Houston Astros. Bergman’s ties to Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch have been noted, with the Red Sox still intent on adding offensive production.

Pete Alonso’s return to the New York Mets still seems likely, but the further into the offseason it goes, the more likely the prospect of that not happening becomes more likely. With so many teams set at first base, would the Los Angeles Angels be willing to make a play if Alonso’s availability continues?

Anthony Santander also could be a fit with the Angels, although the Orioles outfielder appears to be a better fit with the Blue Jays. The Yankees saw what a bat like Teoscar Hernandez’s did for the Dodgers and could be willing to add a player who could offer solid run-producing returns.

Ha-Seong Kim was lined up as a desired commodity at shortstop, but that was before he missed the final month and a half for the Padres with a shoulder injury that required labrum surgery. Kim still declined his mutual option to hit free agency, with the Tigers and Braves having reported interest.