With his window for a decision fast approaching, Roki Sasaki reportedly met with the Padres over the weekend as he continues to narrow his list of suitors. The highly coveted Japanese right-hander had an in-person meeting with the club in San Diego,

Many people around the league opined last week that questions about the team’s ownership would harm the Padres’ chances to land Sasaki. But chatter among MLB teams’ personnel people increasingly names the Padres as the favorite to land the pitcher who posted a 2.02 ERA in 414⅔ innings over four seasons in Japan.

The Roki Sasaki offseason is one that is already proving to be unforgettable. The 23-year-old right hander has interviewed with at least seven teams since being