“Dodgers Face Another Setback in International Market as Roki Sasaki Decision Looms!”

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly meeting with Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki on Tuesday — and while they await his decision, other international prospects are taking their talents elsewhere refusing to wait for Sasaki to decide their future with the organization.

The Dodgers recently proposed that their incoming 2025 class delay signing until the following year, signaling the team’s intent to pursue the Japanese phenom despite having one of the smallest international bonus pools.

Instead of waiting, Venezuelan outfielder Orlando Patiño signed with the Chicago White Sox.

Patiño marks the second loss for the Dodgers’ projected 2025 international class. Darell Morel, a 6-foot-5 shortstop from the Dominican Republic, was set to sign with the Dodgers but is now expected to join the Pittsburgh Pirates for nearly $1.8 million — about twice what Los Angeles would’ve paid him.

Patiño is expected to sign for $570,000, an increase from the $400,000 he was in line to get from the Dodgers prior to Sasaki’s posting, according to Ben Badler of Baseball America.

Ezoic

Badler’s scouting report of the outfielder states he is “6-foot-2, 203 pounds and extremely strong for his age with big right-handed power. There isn’t much physical projection left with Patiño, but he already drives the ball with impact in a swing geared to lift the ball. He’s a corner outfielder with a plus arm to fit in right field.”

Sasaki has to make his decision by Jan. 23, but until then, the Dodgers, Padres and Blue Jays are bound to lose more international prospects.

While the three finalists continue waiting for news of an agreement, according to Joel Wolfe — Sasaki’s agent — the decision will come down to the wire.

“The timeline for Round 2 is going to lead right up until he signs,” Wolfe said. “We’re still talking and having Zoom calls. So I don’t have a precise timeline for that, like we did for the meetings. Teams will be notified at some point if there’s going to be additional meetings or travel or something like that. But other than that, I don’t believe there’s going to be any specific timeline.”

Related Posts

BREAKING: Why Brewers Should Go All-In On 2025 Season By Signing Dodgers Star

The Brewers would be wise to make one big move Apr 28, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A hat and glove of an Los Angeles Dodgers player durng…

Dodgers Urged to Sign $4 Million World Series Champion in Blockbuster Move

The Los Angeles Dodgers remain focused on adding Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki in free agency, but that’s not the only move they can make to solidify the roster. While…

“Dodgers Eye Trades This Week to Free Up $8 Million+ for Roki Sasaki Offer!”

Depending on who one asks about the Los Angeles Dodgers’ likelihood of signing Japanese free agent Roki Sasaki, the answers will vary. One of those answers will…

BREAKING: Yankees Might Acquire Infielder Targets by Shedding Excess Players

Two things on the to-do list for the New York Yankees remain an addition and a subtraction. The addition would be an infielder, preferably a second baseman. The subtraction…

“Why the Yankees Took a Chance on a Former Mets’ Top Draft Pick Who Fell Short of Expectations!”

What the Yankees expect from Dom Smith. At one time, Dominic Smith was considered the future in New York, but that never panned out in Flushing. The…

How Yankees Can Pivot from Losing Top International Free Agent

Yankees can rebound quickly from losing Roki Sasaki. While the New York Yankees’ fans can wonder why the team has lost its appeal to top free agents after…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *