Part 5/9:
Additionally, Rizzo raised the topic of Roki Sasaki, a highly sought-after pitcher from Japan. He has narrowed his choices down to three finalists—the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Padres. Rosenthal commented on the potential impact of Sasaki's signing, emphasizing the need for strong pitching development. The Blue Jays certainly seem to be throwing their hat into the ring, although their reputation for developing pitchers has come under scrutiny.
As discussions about Sasaki continued, Rosenthal mentioned the strategic importance of international signing bonuses in attracting players. He speculated that Sasaki had potentially already made his decision and was waiting for the right moment for his chosen team to trade for maximum bonus pool space.