Part 3/9:
Kyle Glazer, a notable baseball analyst, expressed that the signing was expected given the circumstantial advantages the Dodgers held. The Dodgers’ history of integrating Japanese players effectively combined with their recent World Series win made them the quintessential choice for Sasaki.
While some speculated that other teams like the Toronto Blue Jays had a fighting chance, it was evident that the relationship Sasaki aimed to build within a successful organization influenced his decision. Toronto’s efforts to boost its international signing pool through trades may have seemed strategic, but they were ultimately in vain against L.A.'s allure.