Dodgers, Padres, Blue Jays reportedly finalists for Japanese star RHP Rōki Sasaki

The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes are winding down.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays are finalists for Sasaki, ESPN reported Monday. Sasaki's team has told the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers that the Japanese phenom pitcher won't sign with their clubs, according to several reports (YES, San Francisco Chronicle, Dallas Morning News). 

Additionally, the New York Mets are also not expected to land Sasaki, per SNY. The Chicago Cubs were also among the teams to meet with Sasaki. 

As for the teams still in the hunt for Sasaki, the Padres hosted him over the weekend, The Athletic reported. He also visited with the Toronto Blue Jays in their home city, The Athletic added in its report. Both teams had previously met with Sasaki in Los Angeles.

The Dodgers talked with Sasaki at least once during the process. General manager Brandon Gomes told reporters that he was still hoping to secure a second meeting with Sasaki as of Jan. 7.

The Dodgers have been considered one of the favorites to acquire Sasaki for much of the offseason. They, along with the Padres, have reportedly told other international prospects to possibly reclassify and sign with the team as part of the international class of 2026. The expectation is that Sasaki will take up the vast majority of the available international bonus pool money with whichever team he signs with. 

Because Sasaki is under 25 and has not played six seasons in NPB, he is classified as an international amateur and limited to a minor league contract subject to international signing bonus pools, which range from $7,555,500 to $5,146,200. Starting Wednesday, teams may make trades to increase their signing bonus allotment by up to 60% from their