Usually, the big story for the Texas Rangers when the international free agency signing period begins is the race to gobble up players and max out the team’s bonus pool allotment. Not so much this year.

The New York Yankees have reportedly been informed that star Japanese pitcher Rōki Sasaki will not be signing with them this offseason, per Jack Curry of

The Roki Sasaki sweepstakes is reportedly down to three teams, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Toronto Blues Jays believed to be the finalists. There might be a very specific reason why he has narrowed his choices down to those three teams.

Roki Sasaki is nearing his MLB decision with the Dodgers, Padres and Blue Jays as the reported finalists. Here's what MLB insider Robert Murray is hearing about the sweepstakes for the Japanese right-hander.