Mariners Rumors: Latest prediction could favor Seattle in Roki Sasaki chase

While the teams with bigger payrolls have their starting pitcher aspirations set on the likes of Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, the Seattle Mariners will have to settle for more economical options. Luckily, because of the size of Roki Sasaki's future contract being limited by international posting rules, he serves as a rare opportunity for the Mariners to upgrade their already league-leading rotation without breaking the bank.

Fans are used to being passed over for major free agent signings, but Seattle could legitimately be a frontrunner in the race to win his services.

MLB.com recently listed the Mariners as one of six teams that would make a great fit for Sasaki. In addition to have an outstanding pitching staff and a best-in-class pitching development program that has built a reputation for getting the best out of each arm, the franchise's rich history of signing Japanese players could be a cultural incentive for Sasaki to come aboard.

With Ichiro Suzuki reaching his first year of Hall of Fame candidacy and potentially being a first-ballot inductee, his legacy as a Mariner has been placed back in the mainstream spotlight.

Another recent update that could serve as a boost for the Mariners' push for Sasaki is the Dodgers inking a five-year, $182 million contract with Blake Snell. Originally named as the clear favorite to win this deal, this commitment to Snell likely spells the end of the starting pitcher pursuit for Los Angeles, especially with four of their starters now on contracts with average annual values exceeding $25 million. With the incumbent talent on the team, it would also be difficult for Sasaki to create his own legacy without existing in the shadow of others. Seattle's rotation lacks the marquee star power that Los Angeles has, but the intrinsic quality is arguably as good or better, giving him a chance to succeed without sacrificing his own personal brand and marketability.

Yes, one can argue that the front office should be fully focused on adding bats to the lineup, especially with the vacancy at third base following the non-tendering of Josh Rojas and Luis Urías being waived. However, this pitching staff with Sasaki in the fold would be nigh-untouchable, reducing the necessary output from the lineup needed to win games.

To further increase the urgency of this process, Seattle will probably struggle to land a free agent of a similar caliber in the future with their consistently limited payroll, so this could be their best chance to acquire a potentially generational talent.

The team has mainly been linked to infielders coming off of down years or those nearing the end of their careers, so if things don't work out with Sasaki, fans could be in for another season of watching a lackluster roster fall short at the 11th hour. But for now, we can hold out hope as some predictions are favoring the M's right now.