Roki Sasaki chase ends with Tigers being thankful they didn't waste their time

Predictably, the Los Angeles Dodgers continued to line their coffers this offseason after signing Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki to a free agent deal on Friday. The uber-talented right-hander signed a $6.5 million contract with LA, making the Dodgers the unquestioned World Series favorites heading into the 2025 season, if they weren't already.

The Blue Jays made an 11th-hour pitch to the young hurler, but in the end, Sasaki spurned both Toronto and the San Diego Padres to join the Dodgers. Of course, this was always the most likely outcome, and Detroit Tigers fans can thank their lucky stars that Scott Harris and the front office didn't waste their time despite previous complaints.

Tigers are thankful they didn't waste their time after Roki Sasaki signs with LA Dodgers

Yes, the Tigers were one of 20 teams who submitted information to Sasaki's representation earlier this offseason, but Detroit didn't even make the final cut. Though Sasaki's agent Joel Wolfe made comments during the MLB Winter Meetings suggesting the 23-year-old would consider any and all offers, Detroit was never a serious contender.

But with the Sasaki sweepstakes in the rearview mirror, Harris and Co. can now shift their focus to other potential trade and free agents targets who might actually consider joining the Tigers organization. While Detroit has made some upgrades this offseason — most notably Gleyber Torres and Alex Cobb — there are still some holes in the roster with spring training now less than a month away.

Free agent third baseman Alex Bregman remains unsigned and, at the moment, it appears to be a two-horse race between the Tigers and Boston Red Sox. Bregman's camp maintains that he's unwilling to sign a short-term contract, but the Tigers have aggressively pursued the two-time All-Star and there's a strong chance he could wind up in the Motor City before Opening Day.

Detroit could also turn their attention to the pitching staff. While Sasaki would have made a terrific 1-2 punch alongside Cy Young Award-winner Tarik Skubal, there are other free agents still available that could help to lengthen Detroit's starting rotation or bullpen heading into 2025.

If nothing else, with Sasaki off the board, the rest of the free agent market can open up. With the top remaining offseason target now bound for LA, those players who've been waiting in the wings for teams to open up their wallets will suddenly start to receive more interest. Will Detroit be one of those teams? That's a question Tigers fans have been asking all offseason.

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