Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki was officially introduced as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. The 23-year-old discussed a variety of topics, including his motivation in joining the Dodgers in free agency. More news: Former Dodgers All-Star, Fan Favorite Open to Return to LA in Potential Blockbuster Signing

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Will Samon and Dennis Lin, the Padres informed Sasaki’s representatives that they were willing to offer him just over $10 million as a signing bonus. It would’ve required multiple trades and used up the entirety of their international bonus pool money, but the club was willing to do it to land Sasaki.

The Blue Jays announced on Friday that they've obtained outfielder Myles Straw, cash, and international bonus signing pool space from the Guardians in exchange for a player to be named later or cash.

Despite the million-dollar salary Roki Sasaki could have earned with the Padres, he chose to join the starting rotation of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

One of the most fascinating stories of the 2024-25 MLB offseason came to an end in the most predictable way: NPB superstar Roki Sasaki signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.