According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Will Samon and Dennis Lin, the Padres informed Sasaki’s representatives that they were willing to offer him just over $10 million as a signing bonus. It would’ve required multiple trades and used up the entirety of their international bonus pool money, but the club was willing to do it to land Sasaki.

With ownership turmoil and no offseason additions, the Padres must figure out how to contend without the Japanese phenom they coveted.

The Padres have reportedly been eliminated as a destination for the Japanese right-hander. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays traded for additional international bonus pool money.

Adding top-level international talent is never a bad thing, even if it likely means you’re not going to be signing the biggest fish in the pool. According to multiple reports the Padres have agreed to 7-figure deals with a pair of Dominican teenagers,

The sweepstakes for 23-year-old Japanese flamethrower Roki Sasaki could be nearing its conclusion. Sasaki, whose representation said he was open to playing for all 30 teams, is now reportedly down to two franchises as he nears a decision.

An overwhelming expectation throughout the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes has been the Japanese phenom would ultimately decide between signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres.

As Roki Sasaki searched for his MLB home, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays were deemed the finalists to procure his services. While not yet officially announced, the defending World Series champions appear poised to win again.

With the deadline for Sasaki to sign, the two National League West rivals are battling it out to the very end.