Roki Sasaki favorites emerging with Yankees, Mets fighting uphill battles

Both the Yankees and Mets were given meetings with superstar Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki but both surely understand they’re not the favorites here.

The Dodgers remain favored, followed by the Padres.

The Dodgers established themselves as the team for Japan’s stars, but Sasaki’s admiration of Padres ace Yu Darvish and a clear path to be their ace gives them a shot.

The Mets could sell their recent pitching successes and the Yankees their long history of winning.

But it’ll be a shock if he doesn’t land on the West Coast.

The Cubs and Rangers, with histories of success with Japanese stars, also received audiences.

One person assessed the Dodgers’ chances as: “Better than 50/50 but not 100 percent.”

The Padres might be more apt to trade Dylan Cease if they land Sasaki.

The Mariners haven’t been able to get what they’ve sought for Luis Castillo.

The Dodgers are still expecting Clayton Kershaw back.

He had two surgeries but not on his shoulder, which feels fine.

The Dodgers seek one more big bat, and most likely in the outfield since the plan is for Mookie Betts to return to his preferred shortstop.

In addition to Teoscar Hernandez, Anthony Santander and a trade for Seiya Suzuki are on the table.