The Toronto Blue Jays missed the postseason for the first time since 2021 after finishing with a 74-88 record and finishing in last place in the American League East.
After an underwhelming season, the Blue Jays haven’t been very aggressive so far this season, with their most notable acquisition being second baseman Andres Jimenez from the Cleveland Guardians.
The Blue Jays have reportedly been linked with free agent Rocky Sasaki, who will be out of MLB Japan this offseason.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal revealed why he thinks Sasaki would be an odd fit for the Blue Jays.
“There’s no reason why he’s going to pick the Blue Jays, they’re not a great pitching factory,” Rosenthal said via Foul Territory on “X.”
Rocky Saski would be an “odd fit.” @BlueJays pitching development, says @Ken_Rosenthal: pic.twitter.com/rkxlsVx4H2
— FoulTerritory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 14, 2025
Rosenthal said Sasaki faced the Blue Jays last week, the San Diego Padres over the weekend and now faces the Dodgers on Tuesday.
While the Dodgers and Padres are likely the favorites to land Sasaki, the Blue Jays have been identified as the finalists in the lottery for Sasaki.
Rosenthal also notes that the Blue Jays haven’t been great at developing pitchers in the past, so it would be strange for Sasaki to sign there.
Sasaki is just 23 years old, and his 2024 stats from his overseas team include 18 appearances with a 10-5 record, 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 111.0 innings.
The Blue Jays haven’t done much this offseason, and they’ll likely need to make some moves if they want to compete for the AL East title in 2025.
NEXT: Insider Projects What kind of contract can Vladimir Guerrero Jr. get?
