Roki Sasaki is a talented Japanese pitcher who has caught the attention of Major League Baseball teams this offseason. The Chiba Lotte Marines have announced that they will be moving Sasaki to a big league club in North America using the posting system.
Sasaki, who recently turned 23, had an impressive season with a 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 111 innings. Due to his age, he will be considered an international amateur free agent under MLB rules, which means his initial contract will likely be a minor league deal with a bonus subject to certain limits.
The Marines will receive a posting fee from the MLB team that signs Sasaki, which will be 25% of the signing bonus. This process will kick off a 45-day period for Sasaki to sign with a major league club. The international signing period for 2024 ends on December 15, with the 2025 period starting on January 15.
Several MLB teams have varying amounts of bonus pool money remaining for international signings. The Los Angeles Dodgers have the most available space in their pool, followed by the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants. Other teams have limited funds left for signings.
Sasaki’s potential availability has sparked interest, especially after the success of Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the MLB. The Dodgers’ recent signing of Ohtani to a lucrative contract and their subsequent World Series win have increased their popularity in Japan.
Sasaki, who helped Japan win the 2023 World Baseball Classic, has a remarkable pitching record and a fastball that has been clocked at 102.5 mph. His perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes in 2022 showcased his exceptional talent and potential as a top-tier pitcher.
In a statement, Sasaki expressed his gratitude to the Marines for allowing him to pursue his MLB dream. He acknowledged the support of his teammates, staff, and fans throughout his career and vowed to work hard to fulfill his potential in the major leagues.
As the countdown begins for Sasaki’s potential move to an MLB team, baseball fans are eager to see where this promising young pitcher will land and how he will make his mark in the world of professional baseball.
