The San Diego Padres have been granted a meeting with Roki Sasaki, but it remains unclear if those discussions have taken place yet. They are considered one of the teams in contention for the Japanese star, alongside other prominent clubs like the Yankees and Mets.

The San Diego Padres are noted among the teams with strong chances to sign Roki Sasaki, alongside other high-profile clubs like the Dodgers and Yankees. Their involvement highlights the competitive landscape for top international talent, as they seek to bolster their pitching staff with elite arms.

The San Diego Padres are facing financial pressures as their roster costs are projected to rise significantly in 2025 due to contract increases and arbitration raises. This situation may necessitate trades to create salary space, particularly for players like Luis Arraez and Dylan Cease, who are both nearing free agency. The team's hope for the offseason hinges on acquiring Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, which could provide a controllable talent and alleviate some financial burdens, allowing them to retain key players.

The San Diego Padres are considered a strong contender for Roki Sasaki, bolstered by their competitive roster and the presence of established Japanese players like Yu Darvish. Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed confidence in the team's position, highlighting the opportunity for Sasaki to create a legacy by helping the franchise win its first World Series.

Yu Darvish, a pitcher for the Padres, is seen as a significant factor in attracting Roki Sasaki to San Diego, given his presence on the roster and his role as a special adviser, which could appeal to Sasaki's decision-making process.