A Close Call for Toronto: Sasaki’s Near-Move to the AL East

The spotlight is currently shining brightly on Shohei Ohtani as he returns to Toronto, a city he nearly called home two years ago. However, Ohtani isn’t the only Japanese superstar who came close to donning a Blue Jays uniform. Roki Sasaki, now a key component of the Dodgers’ bullpen, was also heavily pursued by Toronto before signing with Los Angeles.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider playfully alluded to the near-miss, joking about wanting his Blue Jays cap back – the one gifted to him during Sasaki’s visit to Dunedin as a free agent. This lighthearted moment underscores the genuine interest Toronto had in acquiring the talented pitcher.

Sasaki, initially a starting pitcher before an injury altered his trajectory, has successfully transitioned into a dominant closer role for the Dodgers. But his path could have been drastically different. When asked directly about his consideration of the Blue Jays last winter, Sasaki confirmed he “strongly considered” signing with the Canadian club, admitting he struggles to articulate the reasons behind his final decision.

Roki Sasaki said he was “strongly considering” the #BlueJays and was “definitely” close to signing with Toronto.

“It’s actually really hard to express why I eventually chose the Dodgers."

– Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) October 24, 2025

Sasaki’s reluctance to pinpoint a specific reason speaks volumes. His politeness is admirable, but the underlying factors likely involved a complex evaluation of team dynamics, long-term potential, and perhaps even a sense of belonging.

The Blue Jays’ pursuit of Sasaki wasn’t merely a casual inquiry. The club reportedly acquired Myles Straw’s contract from the Guardians specifically to free up international bonus money, demonstrating their commitment to landing the Japanese pitcher. Ultimately, the allure of joining Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Los Angeles proved decisive.

What factors do you think ultimately swayed Sasaki’s decision? Could a different team environment have led to a different outcome?

The Dodgers’ acquisition of Sasaki has proven to be a shrewd move, bolstering their bullpen with a high-velocity arm. However, the Blue Jays’ near-miss serves as a reminder of how close they were to adding another international star to their roster.

Did You Know? The Blue Jays have been actively expanding their international scouting network in recent years, signaling a commitment to attracting top talent from around the globe.

For more on international baseball prospects, check out MLB.com’s International Signings page. And to learn more about the Dodgers’ bullpen, visit the official Dodgers website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roki Sasaki and the Blue Jays

• Was Roki Sasaki seriously considering signing with the Blue Jays?

  Yes, Roki Sasaki confirmed he “strongly considered” signing with the Blue Jays last winter and was “definitely” close to making the move.

• Why did Roki Sasaki ultimately choose the Dodgers over the Blue Jays?

  Sasaki has stated it’s difficult to articulate the reasons, but the opportunity to play alongside stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto likely played a significant role.

• What did the Blue Jays do to try and sign Roki Sasaki?

  The Blue Jays acquired Myles Straw’s contract from the Guardians to create international bonus money specifically to pursue Sasaki.

• What position does Roki Sasaki play for the Dodgers?

  Initially a starting pitcher, Sasaki has transitioned to a closer role for the Dodgers.

• Is Shohei Ohtani playing in Toronto?

  Yes, Shohei Ohtani is currently playing in Toronto as the Dodgers face the Blue Jays in a series following Game 1 of the World Series.