With it, the clock began to tick on when Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, the best pitcher in the world not already under an MLB team's employment, will pick his next employer and complete his long-awaited transfer to North America.

Japanese ace Roki Sasaki is nearing a decision on where he'll play in 2025. Has he trimmed his potential suitors from three to two in recent days?

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are considered the favorites to sign Sasaki, with the Toronto Blue Jays another contender.