Report: Blue Jays, Sasaki held meeting in Toronto

No one can say the Toronto Blue Jays aren't trying.

Blue Jays officials held a meeting with prized free-agent pitcher Roki Sasaki last week in Toronto, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Andy McCullough.

Sasaki has been visiting with teams as he'll be eligible to sign a big-league deal starting Wednesday when the international signing period opens.

The 23-year-old must decide on his final destination before his posting deadline Jan. 23. He reportedly met with six teams prior to sitting down with the Blue Jays. His agent, Joel Wolfe, also recently said 20 clubs pursued his client this offseason.

Sasaki posted a 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA and 11.5 K/9 in 394 2/3 innings for the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan's Pacific League.

The youngster will also be light on the pocketbook of the team that signs him as he's only eligible to ink a minor-league deal with a capped signing bonus of around $7.5 million due to his age.

Sasaki is the latest big name the Blue Jays have targeted in recent years after missing out on Shohei Ohtani last offseason, as well as Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes this winter.

Toronto has been unable to land a franchise-type player to join pending free agents Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Its biggest offseason moves have included adding second baseman Andrés Giménez, as well as relievers Jeff Hoffman, Yimi García, and Nick Sandlin.

The Blue Jays' rotation entering 2025 includes Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Bowden Francis, and Yariel Rodriguez.