Roki Sasaki rumor should have Blue Jays fans cautiously optimistic

The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes have been building up for days now that his top three teams have been revealed. Toronto luckily found themselves as a finalist, alongside the Dodgers and Padres. The Blue Jays were also able to get a meeting in before he announces his decision, which was a great indicator of how seriously he's taking their chances in this race.

At the very least, if Sasaki's west coast fate eventually becomes too much to overcome, the Jays can say they sold the right-hander the most compelling version of the future of any other non-California team in the chase. That's something.

But that is not the only reason for Blue Jays fans to get optimistic about the possibility of landing Sasaki. MLB insider Hector Gomez posted on X late Tuesday reporting that Toronto is pushing the hardest out of the finalists for Sasaki. He also noted that their dedication towards landing the young arm from Japan is meant to reassure fans that they are serious about the team. The front office is well aware of the frustration behind missing out on plenty of top free agents this offseason.

MLB insider's report gives Blue Jays fans something to believe in for the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes.

It's of course worth taking this with a huge grain of salt, given that it comes from only one insider. But still. Anything helps, as the Sasaki chase has been largely shrouded in mystery.

Despite being slated to land three top international prospects in the 2025 cycle, Toronto still can offer Sasaki a bonus very similar to what the other finalists can. San Diego and Toronto both have slightly over $6 million to give Sasaki, while Los Angeles has barely over $5 million. Expect some shuffling from Toronto, as well as some breaking of preexisting tacit agreements, if things get more serious.

If Toronto is pushing the hardest for Sasaki like Gomez reports, then it is likely that he will receive close to all of the Blue Jays' international money for this cycle. Although that hurts their depth for this class moving forward, landing the young right-hander is a priority for this front office after missing a handful of star players.

The Blue Jays' rotation already might be their biggest strength in 2025, and adding Sasaki would even boost the bullpen by pushing Yariel Rodriguez into a relief role.

Getting Sasaki would dramitcally change this team and save this offseason from being one of the worst in franchise history. Time will tell what happens and where he signs. There is definitely reason to be optimistic about Sasaki with the recent reports as we await his decision.