The race to sign Rōki Sasaki appears to be down to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. Per MLB insider Francys Romero, the San Diego Padres are

The sweepstakes for 23-year-old Japanese flamethrower Roki Sasaki could be nearing its conclusion. Sasaki, whose representation said he was open to playing for all 30 teams, is now reportedly down to two franchises as he nears a decision.

The Padres will sign left-hander and international amateur free agent Carlos Alvarez, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon. That's an intriguing development given that the Padres are considered one of the three finalists (alongside the Dodgers and Blue Jays) in the running for Japanese ace Roki Sasaki.

If top third base prospect Matt Shaw hits the ground running, and Chicago signs, say, Jack Flaherty before Spring Training, this team has the lineup depth and the star power at the top of the rotation to be awfully dangerous.

In a move that could shape the future of their rotation and further solidify their global reach, the Dodgers have signed Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. The 23-year-old pitching phenom is set to bring his electric arm to Dodger Stadium,