### Dodgers Rumors Ignite Debates Over Roki Sasaki's MLB Future

Amid swirling rumors suggesting that Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki is destined for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sasaki's agent Joel Wolfe has firmly dismissed such claims. According to Wolfe, the notion of an "unwritten agreement" between Sasaki and the Dodgers is unfounded and reflects poorly on those perpetuating it.

Reports, including one from Joel Sherman of The New York Post, have indicated that many within the baseball industry see the Dodgers as a leading contender or even a lock to sign Sasaki once his NPB team posts him. The excitement around Sasaki joining Major League Baseball has led to informal mentions of these rumors being brought to the commissioner's office, as revealed by The Athletic.

Wolfe, addressing the rumors, expressed his frustration, stating, "While a bunch of executives who should know me better and do a lot of business with me insult my integrity by insinuating that I would be a part of some type of nefarious agreement, in reality, this is just poor sportsmanship."

The Dodgers, noted for their on-field success and status as reigning World Series champions, appear to be an appealing destination for Sasaki. The team already boasts two of Japan's finest players, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which could enhance their chances of securing Sasaki.

Adding to the speculation, Dallas Keuchel, who played with Sasaki for the Chiba Lotte Marines, mentioned in an interview with The Post that he had heard unconfirmed reports of a deal with the Dodgers. "I heard some, some rumblings about a done deal with the Dodgers - you know, having a plan for him," Keuchel said. "And if I was Vegas, I would definitely put them as the favorite, but I don't know. We never really talked about that."

However, signing Sasaki might require financial sacrifices. Unlike Yamamoto, who signed a $325 million contract with the Dodgers as a free agent, Sasaki will be subjected to MLB's international signing regulations, similar to Ohtani in 2017. This means Sasaki would have to sign a minor-league deal and receive a bonus through the international pool money system.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred suggested that Sasaki will likely be posted for the 2025 class. For that year, the Dodgers have $5.15 million in their international pool, trailing behind eight teams that each have $7.56 million available. The Dodgers' 2024 pool is more promising, standing at $2,502,500—more than any other team.

Manfred assured that the league would be vigilant in monitoring any potential rule violations related to Sasaki's signing. "If there's any reason to believe that there was a violation of one of our rules, you can rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate and try to get to the bottom," said Manfred.