MLB’s 2025 international signing period opened, an annual date of significance in which top international amateur players can begin signing with MLB teams.

The San Diego Padres and the reigning MLB champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are two of the favorites and finalists for the coveted signature of Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, who has been given the green light to sign with any Major League team that can woo him during this offseason.

The Los Angeles Dodgers got a second and final meeting with Roki Sasaki, and the team reportedly made sure the righty knew just how loaded a roster he'd be joining if he chose L.A. over the San Diego Padres.

Roki Sasaki is nearing a decision on where he’s going to spend the first chapter of his big league career. Jeff Passan is reporting that the Padres are a finalist for the Japanese star. Sasaki met for a second time with San Diego last week and it appears he threw in front of them in right field at Petco Park: Obviously we know how huge this addition would be if it indeed happens.

The Padres won't give up and will use every last trick in the book to woo the most sought-after free agent from overseas.