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 are winding down, with finalists emerging and teams being informed that they're out of the running.

The New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants have been informed Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki won’t be signing with them.

The San Diego Padres and the reigning MLB champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, are two of the favorites and finalists for the coveted signature of Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, who has been given the green light to sign with any Major League team that can woo him during this offseason.