Part 3/4:

• Cultural differences between the hyper-competitive MLB contract landscape and the more loyalty-based NPB system could also play a role in his decision.

Potential Suitors

• The Dodgers have been heavily scouting Sasaki and are rumored to be a frontrunner, but Jim Allen cautions against reading too much into those rumors.

• Other teams like the A's, who have strong scouting ties in Japan, could also be in the mix. But Sasaki will likely choose the team he feels can best help him maximize his potential.