The crypto world was rocked today as the Toronto Blue Jays made a surprising move in boosting their international signing pool space in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians. But what does this have to do with the pursuit of Japanese phenom pitcher Roki Sasaki? Let’s dive in.
Blue Jays Trade for Extra International Signing Pool Funds
In a deal announced on Friday, the Blue Jays acquired $2 million in international signing bonus pool allocation from Cleveland. Heading to Toronto along with the bonus pool space is struggling outfielder Myles Straw, while the Guardians will receive a player to be named later or cash considerations.
With this transaction, the Blue Jays have increased their available international signing pool to a whopping $8,261,600. Interestingly, they had not yet signed any players since the 2025 international signing window opened on Wednesday. This leaves their entire pool amount available for one big splash.
The Roki Sasaki Sweepstakes
Enter Roki Sasaki. The 23-year-old Japanese pitching sensation is being heavily pursued by the Dodgers, Padres, and now the Blue Jays as he navigates the posting system to make his MLB dreams a reality. Despite his young age, Sasaki is considered a generational talent with the potential to be a frontline MLB starter from day one.
Roki Sasaki has put up video game numbers in Japan. He’s the most exciting international pitching prospect in years, maybe decades.
– MLB Analyst Jim Bowden
Under MLB’s international amateur rules, Sasaki can only sign a minor league contract at this stage. However, the contract is still subject to the same international bonus pools that apply to top Latin American prospects. By acquiring extra pool space, the Blue Jays are positioning themselves to make an aggressive bid for Sasaki’s services.
Looking Ahead to the Deadline
Sasaki and his camp have until next Thursday to reach an agreement with an MLB club. With the Dodgers and Padres also expected to make strong offers, the bidding war could go down to the wire. The Blue Jays’ willingness to take on Straw’s contract to boost their bonus pool is a sign of how badly they want to land the young ace.
- Pros for Sasaki: Potential to make an immediate MLB impact, massive payday
- Pros for Signing Team: Franchise-altering talent, marketing opportunities with Japanese audience
No matter where Sasaki signs, his arrival is poised to shake up the MLB landscape. The Blue Jays are hoping their aggressive maneuvering will give them the inside track. But with other contenders also in hot pursuit, the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes is shaping up to be the story of the 2025 offseason. Stay tuned.
