The Los Angeles Dodgers have met with Japanese ace Rōki Sasaki during his posting window, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Ardaya noted that the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants have also conducted meetings with the right-hander.

The San Diego Padres are among the teams in pursuit of Sasaki, as Padres manager Mike Shildt said that they're "very optimistic" about their chances to land the 23-year-old (via MLB.com's AJ Cassavell).

Sasaki is coming off another strong season with Nippon Professional Baseball's Chiba Lotte Marines in 2024, compiling a 10-5 record to go along with a 2.35 ERA and 1.036 WHIP in 18 appearances. He also racked up 129 strikeouts compared to 32 walks in 111 innings of work.

In four NPB seasons, Sasaki owned a 2.10 ERA as well as an average of 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported on Dec. 5 that there is "widespread industry belief" the pitcher has already picked a team, and that it is "most likely" the Dodgers.

Los Angeles signed two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani as well as starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto in free agency following its 2023 campaign, giving them contracts with a combined total value exceeding $1 billion.

Both players have a connection with Sasaki, as all three were members of the same Team Japan roster during its 2023 World Baseball Classic victory.

The Dodgers won't be able to offer Sasaki anything they want, as all of his potential suitors can only use international signing bonus pool money to sign him since he's an international amateur free agent under 25 years old.

Still, Los Angeles' 2024 World Series title and the team's roster filled with familiar faces may be enough to sway Sasaki following the reported meeting between both sides.