Roki Sasaki Available for MLB Teams
Roki Sasaki, the talented Japanese pitcher, will be available to Major League Baseball (MLB) teams this offseason. The Chiba Lotte Marines officially announced on Saturday that they will begin the process of posting Sasaki, making him eligible to join a big league club in North America via the posting system. Sasaki, who turned 23 this month, is expected to be one of the most sought-after pitchers on the open market.
Impressive Stats and International Status
Sasaki had a stellar 2024 season, finishing with a 10-5 record and a 2.35 ERA in 18 games. He struck out 129 batters over 111 innings. Under MLB rules, because Sasaki is under 25, he will be classified as an international amateur free agent, meaning his first contract would be a minor league deal, subject to bonus pool limits. The Marines will receive a posting fee from the MLB team equal to 25% of the signing bonus.
Sasaki’s Signing Potential and Timing
It remains unclear exactly when Sasaki will be posted, but the 45-day signing period will begin once the posting is made. The 2024 international signing period ends on December 15, and the 2025 period opens on January 15. Some MLB teams, like the Los Angeles Dodgers, have significant space left in their bonus pool, which could play a role in their pursuit of Sasaki.
A Look at Sasaki’s Career and Potential
Sasaki has already shown his exceptional talent on the global stage. He was instrumental in helping Japan win the 2023 World Baseball Classic and has a career 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA over four injury-shortened seasons with the Marines. One of his standout achievements includes a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes in April 2022, where he set a remarkable record of 13 consecutive strikeouts.
MLB Teams Preparing for Sasaki’s Arrival
Teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees are expected to be in the running to sign Sasaki. The Dodgers, in particular, have made notable moves in the past, such as signing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and have shown strong interest in expanding their roster with international talent.
Sasaki’s Statement on His MLB Move
In a statement shared by the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki expressed his gratitude for the team’s support throughout his career, saying:
“Since I joined the team, the team has been listening to my thoughts about my future MLB challenge, and I am very grateful to the team for officially allowing me to post… I will do my best to work my way up from my minor contract to become the best player in the world.”
