A case could be made that Sasaki was the most valuable pitcher on the winter free agent market because of the unique circumstances of his departure from from the Japan.

Along with Blake Snell – signed to a five-year, $182 million contract in December. And Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was posted one year ago after seven dominant seasons in Japan, signed a $325 million contract – and was the starting pitcher for four of the Dodgers’ 11 postseason wins.