Roki Sasaki, the Japanese pitching sensation, is now eligible to sign with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team after his NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, confirmed they would post the 23-year-old right-hander. Sasaki, widely seen as the top player in the Asian league, now enters the 45-day negotiation window with MLB teams, where he is expected to attract significant interest.
“Since joining the Marines, I’ve dreamed of playing in the Major Leagues, and I’m thankful to my team for this chance to enter the posting system,” Sasaki told MLB.com.
Due to his age and experience level in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, Sasaki will be classified as an international amateur player under MLB rules, allowing him to sign a contract worth over $3 million. This path is similar to that of Shohei Ohtani, who also joined MLB at 23. Sasaki’s situation differs from pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who qualified for unrestricted MLB negotiations due to having six years in the NPB and being over 25, resulting in his record-breaking $325 million deal with the Dodgers.
The team that signs Sasaki will hold his rights for six MLB seasons, including salary arbitration, before he can enter free agency. Additionally, a release fee (about 20% of the contract’s value) will go to the Chiba Lotte Marines.
A Rising Star in Japanese Baseball
Known for his blazing 100 mph fastball and precision, Sasaki has amassed a record of 30-15 with a 2.02 ERA, totaling 524 strikeouts and only 91 walks in 414.2 innings. His accolades include Japan’s 16th perfect game, a 19-strikeout single-game record, and an impressive 13 consecutive strikeouts. Sasaki also represented Japan in the World Baseball Classic, alongside stars like Ohtani and Yamamoto.
The Dodgers are among the leading teams eyeing Sasaki, hoping to form a historic Japanese trio in their rotation with Ohtani and Yamamoto.
