Memo to Hal Steinbrenner: Why Roki Sasaki Should Be the Yankees’ Major Priority

CC: Brian Cashman

Hal,

As you sit atop the most storied franchise in Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees find themselves at a crossroads. Your fervent, knowledgeable, and unyielding fanbase has long been accustomed to greatness. While Juan Soto’s name has dominated headlines as a New York Met for $760 Million, I propose an alternative that will not only electrify Yankee Stadium but also address a perennial need: signing Japanese pitching phenom Roki Sasaki the next Paul Schenes.

This memo outlines why Sasaki is the investment that will reignite the Yankees’ dominance, fortify your pitching staff, and signal to baseball fans worldwide that the Bronx Bombers remain the sport’s ultimate destination.

Who Is Roki Sasaki?

At just 23 years old, Roki Sasaki is already rewriting the record books in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). A towering right-hander with a fastball that routinely touches 102 MPH, Sasaki combines velocity with devastating precision. His split-finger fastball, often described as unhittable, is a pitch that would make even the likes of Juan Soto struggle.

Sasaki’s most iconic moment came in 2022 when he threw a perfect game—the first in NPB in 28 years—while striking out 19 batters. If that wasn’t enough, he followed it up with eight more perfect innings in his next start before being pulled. He has proven that he’s not just a flame-thrower but a pitcher with elite poise, control, and a diverse repertoire.

With Sasaki’s velocity, command, and secondary pitches, he is not just the next big thing; he’s the now.

Why Sasaki Over Juan Soto?

Addressing the Yankees’ Pitching Needs:

Gerrit Cole remains the ace every franchise dreams of, but the Yankees need more than one elite starter to contend with teams like the Astros, Braves, and Dodgers. Adding Max Fried would bolster the rotation, but Cole, Fried, and Sasaki trio would be the most formidable in the league.

The Ohtani Effect:

Shohei Ohtani’s move to MLB was a watershed moment for baseball, and his success has paved the way for other Japanese stars. Sasaki, often compared to Ohtani in terms of hype, offers the Yankees a chance to secure the next international sensation.

Offensive Depth Already Exists:

While Soto is undoubtedly a generational talent, the Yankees’ offense has power in Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and rising stars like Anthony Volpe. What they lack is a lights-out rotation capable of dominating a postseason series. Yes, Christian Walker is on your Radar, but I believe Pete Alonso would be a better fit playing in New York. Since the Mets did not offer Pete a contract, he wants to prove that the Mets made a mistake.

Global Branding:

Signing Sasaki expands the Yankees’ international appeal. The Yankees’ brand in Japan has already been strong since Hideki Matsui's days. Imagine the global viewership and merchandise sales a player like Sasaki would bring.

The Competition

It’s no secret that Roki Sasaki’s eventual MLB destination is one of the hottest topics in baseball circles. His agent, Joel Wolfe, is a seasoned pro who has handled big names like Ohtani. Wolfe has reportedly been active at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, laying the groundwork for Sasaki’s move to MLB. Joel was also the agent for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and this writer believes the Dodgers will land Roki. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the presumed favorites, thanks to their history of landing international stars and deep pockets. However, the Yankees have the resources, the platform, and the legacy to outbid and outmaneuver any competitor.

The Financial Argument

Sasaki will be classified as an international amateur free agent under MLB rules, which caps his signing bonus due to his age (under 25). This means the financial commitment to Sasaki is significantly less than the astronomical sums offered to free agents like Juan Soto. Even with potential posting fees to his NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, the total investment in Sasaki will pale compared to Soto or other established MLB stars. This is a rare opportunity for the Yankees to secure a generational talent without the albatross of a long-term, $300 million-plus contract.

The Dodgers Factor

The Yankees need help to let the Dodgers monopolize the international talent pipeline. The Dodgers’ track record with players like Hideo Nomo, Kenta Maeda, and now Shohei Ohtani positions them as an attractive destination for Sasaki. Hal, this is your moment to counter their dominance. If Ohtani is talking to Sasaki, it’s not hard to imagine him steering his fellow countryman toward Los Angeles. But the Yankees can counter this by offering a compelling vision: the opportunity to become the ace of the most famous team in sports history.

Baseball’s Leadership Vacuum

Let’s be honest: Rob Manfred’s tenure as Commissioner has been marked by decisions that alienate traditional baseball fans. His emphasis on technology and automation has shifted the focus away from the game’s human element. The Yankees have an opportunity to cut through this malaise by delivering a bold, decisive move. Signing Sasaki is about more than bolstering the rotation; it’s about making a statement.

My bottom line Hal: The Time Is Now

Hal, if the Yankees want their fans to forget about Juan Soto and dream about October dominance, you must bring the Brink’s truck for Roki Sasaki. This signing would reinforce your rotation and re-establish the Yankees as the premier destination for global talent.

Joel Wolfe is in Dallas. Sasaki is on the verge of becoming the next international star. The Dodgers are circling. The time for action is now.

Your move, Hal.

PS: The Dodgers could have signed Juan Soto, but this is the player they want, Roki.

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