JIM BOWDEN KNOWS WHERE ROKI SASAKI'S SIGNING

Jim Bowden just couldn’t help himself. 

Bowden went there. Bowden went all in like he’s playing poker with Monopoly money and loving every second of it. While other baseball insiders are stumbling around like they’ve forgotten how to tie their cleats, desperately trying to get the latest scoop on Roki Sasaki, Bowden is out here throwing fastballs of his own. And boy, did he just throw a heater with his latest prediction about Sasaki joining the Yankees. It’s so aggressive, it’s almost like Bowden's trying to sign him himself.

Bowden, the maestro of bold takes over at The Athletic, is out here waving off the Dodgers like they’re yesterday’s news. In Bowden’s world, Sasaki is either headed to the Yankees or the Padres. Why? Well, here’s the gem of logic Bowden blessed us with: "His favorite player growing up was Masahiro Tanaka, which would lead me to guess he was at least somewhat of a Yankees fan. He considers Yu Darvish a godfather-type influence, and the Padres veteran mentored Sasaki during Japan’s championship run in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Therefore, for no other reason, I’ll predict he signs with either the Yankees or San Diego."

Bowden’s putting his chips on the table, all because Sasaki looked up to Tanaka and has a bromance with Darvish. That’s it. That’s the nugget. Sure, it sounds great in a “baseball is just a big buddy movie” kind of way, but come on, Jim! Signing contracts isn’t exactly like picking your best man for a wedding.

Yes, Tanaka was Sasaki’s childhood hero, clocking in 78 wins during his Yankees days. And Darvish? He had a decent run with the Padres in 2024, with a 7-3 record and a 3.31 ERA, despite only pitching 81.2 innings. But are those the deciding factors here? It’s like saying you picked your college because they have a great mascot.

Bowden’s out here making contract negotiations sound as easy as ordering off a fast-food menu, but we all know it’s a tad more complicated than that. Is it fun to imagine Sasaki signing with the Yankees or Padres? Absolutely. Is it likely? Well, that’s another story. But hey, Bowden’s having a blast, and we’re all just along for the ride. 

Stay tuned—there’s more drama to unfold, and Bowden will surely be right in the thick of it, stirring the pot.