TL;DR - Scouting Report
The Dodgers eye bonus money trade moves to strengthen their offer for NPB star Roki Sasaki, exploring deals to increase their international bonus pool as they compete with other MLB teams in a high-stakes free-agent race.
Start the Rally: Tweet This Now!The Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring trades to acquire additional international bonus pool money, aiming to strengthen their offer for NPB star Roki Sasaki. As Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times reported, these discussions are currently exploratory but reflect the team’s commitment to remaining competitive in the high-stakes pursuit of the offseason’s most coveted free agent.
Under MLB rules, bonus pool money can be traded in $250,000 increments, allowing teams to increase their original allotment by up to 60%. For the Dodgers, this means they could potentially add just over $3 million to their international pool, a crucial step toward making the most attractive financial offer to Sasaki.
According to Sasaki’s agent, John Wolfe, money isn’t a deciding factor in his client’s decision. However, industry experts believe Sasaki’s potential for significant earnings through endorsements could offset smaller bonus offers. Still, those endorsement deals—and the earnings tied to them—are not guaranteed, leaving financial flexibility an essential element in attracting the 23-year-old pitching phenom.
Sasaki’s dominant NPB track record and international appeal have made him one of the offseason’s most sought-after free agents. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic suggests Sasaki’s decision may be delayed to give teams like the Dodgers time to maximize their bonus pool resources via trades. This strategic pause has raised the stakes as MLB teams compete for his signature.
The Padres and Blue Jays are reportedly among Sasaki’s top suitors, but San Diego is the only other of the three finalists to have been seeking to maximize their bonus pool money via trades. With all the built-up intrigue, Sasaki’s decision could come soon this week, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
With the January 23 posting deadline fast approaching, the Dodgers are racing against time to secure the necessary resources. If successful, this bold maneuver could tip the scales in their favor and mark a defining moment in their offseason strategy.
