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The overarching question remains—when will Sasaki finally make his choice? Analysts speculate that his decision could trigger movements in the free agent market, particularly affecting pitchers waiting in the wings, such as Jack Flaherty or Nick Pivetta. While his financial ceiling is expected to be moderate, it’s notable that his signing could impact teams’ decisions concerning their own pitching acquisitions.

Free Agency Market Dynamics

Rosenthal observed a distinct pattern in the ongoing free agency market, noting that despite mid-January approaching, many prominent players remain unsigned. This trend is not particularly new, as baseball operates on a different timeline compared to other sports, often leading to a slower pace in negotiations and signings.