The race to sign Rōki Sasaki appears to be down to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. Per MLB insider Francys Romero, the San Diego Padres are

If top third base prospect Matt Shaw hits the ground running, and Chicago signs, say, Jack Flaherty before Spring Training, this team has the lineup depth and the star power at the top of the rotation to be awfully dangerous.

Right-hander Roki Sasaki, the covered Japanese free agent, has whittled down a list of suitors to two finalists, according to a report by veteran MLB reporter Francys Romero. Sasaki eliminated the San Diego Padres and will choose between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, the report claims.

And then there were two. According to reports from The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com, the San Diego Padres appear to have dropped out of the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes, with the franchise pivoting to a pair of international prospects from the Dominican Republic,

The Padres have reportedly been eliminated as a destination for the Japanese right-hander. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays traded for additional international bonus pool money.

The sweepstakes for 23-year-old Japanese flamethrower Roki Sasaki could be nearing its conclusion. Sasaki, whose representation said he was open to playing for all 30 teams, is now reportedly down to two franchises as he nears a decision.

Adding top-level international talent is never a bad thing, even if it likely means you’re not going to be signing the biggest fish in the pool. According to multiple reports the Padres have agreed to 7-figure deals with a pair of Dominican teenagers,

An overwhelming expectation throughout the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes has been the Japanese phenom would ultimately decide between signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres.

As Roki Sasaki searched for his MLB home, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays were deemed the finalists to procure his services. While not yet officially announced, the defending World Series champions appear poised to win again.

The Los Angeles Dodgers rumors tying the club to Japanese starting pitcher Roki Sasaki started last offseason with many MLB